Cavity Symptoms, Causes, and Signs
Most of us know the feeling of an ice-cold beverage on a cavity. It’s not exactly a pleasant sensation, and it’s definitely not something we want to repeat.
Even if you take care of your teeth regularly, you can still be at risk for forming cavities. So why do they happen, what should you look out for, and how can you lower your risks? Keep reading. We’ve got you covered.
What Causes Cavities
Cavities happen after plaque builds up on teeth. This plaque is caused by sugars or bad brushing or flossing habits. And once it sticks to your teeth, it’s game over. Eventually it forms tartar, which makes it easier for bacteria and acid to eat away at your enamel.
Once the acid starts eating through that enamel, that’s when you officially have a cavity. Bummer!
How to Know if You Have a Cavity
If you have a cavity, you might not even know it! But there are a few telltale signs, including:
- Toothache or pain that usually includes sharp nerve pain
- Sensitivity to cold, hot, sugar, or acid
- Stains on your teeth
- A visible cavity
These are all great ways to know once a cavity has progressed, but the best way to find them is to visit a dentist for regular checkups every 6 months. Then your dentist can not only identify a cavity but remove plaque buildup that might put you at risk of one down the road.
Tips to Avoid Cavities
The best way to avoid getting cavities is to practice good dental hygiene and to eat with your teeth in mind.
What does that mean? Just follow these steps:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes
- Floss at least once a day
- Replace your toothbrush after three months or once it starts showing wear
- Avoid eating sugary, sticky, or acidic foods
- Avoid drinking soda
- Wash your mouth out with water after eating or drinking anything that you think could hurt your teeth
We aren’t dentists, so we can’t give you medical advice, but we can tell you that regular dental visits can help combat cavities and keep teeth healthy. Your oral health can have a huge impact on your overall health, so if you feel like you might have a cavity, make sure to take care of it!
After all, we want to see you smiling with nice, white, healthy teeth.