At times, you may find that you have tooth pains, whether it is while eating, drinking, or randomly throughout the day. It may not be obvious what the root cause is behind this pain, but nevertheless, it should not be ignored. Tooth pain can be caused by decay (a cavity), tooth damage, infections, or other reasons. If a cavity is left untreated, it can lead to worse outcomes. What causes a cavity and how do you know if you have one?
Causes:
The American diet is high in sugary foods and beverages. These types of foods offer a breeding ground for damaging bacteria. When you eat, some of these sugars get left along the teeth, which allows the bacteria to not only digest the sugars, but also the minerals that make up your teeth. This can result in a cavity.
A cavity happens when the outer layer of the tooth breaks down. This damage often comes because of food, beverage, or physical damage (such as grinding or an accident). It can be exasperated with poor dental hygiene practices. When the enamel wears away, you tooth become vulnerable to harsh acids and bacteria from your food. Over time the internal structure of your tooth will deteriorate to form a hole. As time goes on, the structural integrity of your tooth will become compromised leading to pain, possible infection, or even a broken tooth. Bacteria in your mouth can have easier access to your blood stream, which can lead to other health complications.
“Do I Have A Cavity?” Here Are Some Signs You May Be Dealing With A Cavity
While a lot of cavities can cause you enough pain that you need to seek treatment, most cavities form with little notice. Here are some warning signs that you may be dealing with a cavity.
Visible Holes:
If you look in the mirror and notice holes or dark spots on your teeth, you likely have a cavity.
Increased Sensitivity:
Some people already face sensitivity in their mouth, while others do not. If your teeth react to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages, you could have a cavity. Sensitivity is often an indication that you are exposing the core of your teeth (which contains your nerves) to the elements. This means that quick temperature changes will often mean sharp pain.
Rough Spots You Can Feel With Your Tongue:
your teeth should feel smooth when you rub you tongue on your teeth. If you feel rough spots or sharp edges, you likely are experiencing tooth decay.
Food Gets Trapped In Your Teeth:
if you find that you constantly have food getting stuck between or on your teeth, you are likely dealing with a cavity.
Bad Breath:
Bad breath is usually an indicator of bacterial buildup in the mouth. This doesn’t always indicate that you have tooth decay, but the most common build up of bacteria is plaque. Plaque on your teeth if left untreated, can cause enamel damage and eventually lead to decay.
General Pain:
if you bight on something and it hurts, you may have an infection or cavity.
What To Do If You Have Or Suspect That You Have A Cavity?
If you have or suspect to have a cavity you need to visit your dentist. Cavities and tooth decay are not reversible on their own. Only your dentist can determine how severe the damage is. During your exam, your dentist may determine that the damage is only to the mineral layer of enamel. In this scenario, they may be able to treat and replenish the damage. If, however, the damage goes deeper, your dentist will need to do a more comprehensive treatment plan. This will usually mean:
- Removing any dead or decaying material from your tooth.
- Treating any potential infections.
- Sealing off the cavity with a filling or crown.
While a lot of people experience apprehension to these treatments, it is important to know that your mouth will be a lot happier and healthier after treatment than before.
Stop avoiding cavities and work on preventing them from even forming. To so so you need to have a good oral hygiene routine and you should see your dentist at least twice a year. If you are looking for a no judgement oral healthcare option in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, look no further than Shorewood Family Dental Care. Our team can provide you with expert care and can help ensure you have the best cavity treatment plan for your needs. If you suspect you have a cavity, you should contact us right away, because an untreated cavity will only get worse. We are here to help you if you are experiencing any oral pain, and will help you work to prevent any future cavities.
