One of the most common dental issues is a cavity. Dental cavities form when bacteria in our mouths erode the outer layer of our teeth and eventually spread into the dentin and pulp of the tooth. This can lead to an infection and eventually tooth loss if it isn’t corrected. In this article, we will cover how cavities form, symptoms of cavities, and most importantly tips to prevent cavities. First and foremost, it cannot be understated that the best chance you have at avoiding a cavity is seeing a dentist twice per year and following their advice. By only giving bacteria six months, you decrease the risk of cavities forming unnoticed. If you need to see a dentist for preventative care or to address an issue in Chicago, visit one of our 11 locations.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities are caused by bacteria in your mouth. The first stage of cavity formation is the destruction of your enamel (or the outermost layer of your tooth). There is a process called demineralization where the enamel begins to erode due to bacteria and other damage. Some of the biggest factors that cause this are what we eat and how we take care of our teeth. When food sits in our mouth for hours at a time, bacteria from the food mixing with sugars from the food can cause damage to our teeth. Decreasing how much acidic or sugary foods we eat, and making sure that the surface of your teeth and gums are cleaned frequently can decrease how long your teeth are potentially vulnerable to damage.
How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?
A big disclaimer here is that for the first few stages of development, a cavity is usually asymptomatic. The nerves of our teeth are deep inside the tooth pulp, so sit is rare to feel anything when a cavity starts to form. Cavities are not always easy to see visually or feel with your tongue either. By the time a cavity is large enough for you to notice or feel it, it has likely been developing for months or even years. The best way to prevent a cavity is to see the dentist every six months since your dentist can help catch and address dental decay early. That said, if you haven’t been to a dentist in a while, here are some common symptoms associated with cavities.
- Toothache, sensitivity, or other tooth pain
- Sudden pain when eating/drinking something that is hot, cold, or sweet
- Pain when biting down on something
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown or black spots on the surface of your teeth
How Can I Prevent Cavities
As we mentioned above, it isn’t always possible to notice when a cavity is forming. One of the best ways to prevent the formation of cavities is to see a dentist twice a year. A quick checkup can find and address any early warning signs before a cavity begins to form or grows. Even a filling is a much better solution than waiting for the decay to spread. For dental services in Chicago, please contact our team.