In this article, we discuss the main signs you may have a cavity and talk about cavity treatment and prevention, including routine dental cleanings.
What Are the Signs You May Have a Cavity
A cavity is an early stage of tooth decay. It is a permanent damage to the enamel surface that can not go away on its own and should always be treated at a dental office. Cavities are caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar that accumulate on teeth due to insufficient oral hygiene.
Signs that you have a cavity may include:
- Visible holes or pits in your tooth
- Tooth discoloration, such as white spots (early enamel damage), brown or dark spots, and black areas on the tooth surface
- Tooth sensitivity or sharp pain in the tooth when you eat or drink something hot or cold
- Recurring toothache
- Pain when touching the tooth or brushing and flossing
If a cavity is left untreated, the damage and infection can spread to the inner pulp of the tooth, causing extensive decay.
How To Treat a Cavity
Cavities are typically treated with dental fillings. During this procedure, your dentist uses a special drill-like tool to remove the infected portion of the enamel, then fills the space with a resin composite. Then the resin composite is shaped to be level with the tooth’s chewing surface and hardened. Dental fillings are always performed under local anesthesia, making the procedure painless and comfortable.
When the cavity is extensive, but the infection has not yet reached the inner pulp, your dentist might recommend an inlay or an onlay. These types of restoration are more expensive than dental fillings, which is why it is always best to treat a cavity as soon as you notice it.
How to Prevent Cavities
As we mentioned before, the main cause of cavities is bacterial growth in the mouth due to insufficient oral hygiene. Bacteria live in plaque and tartar and feed on the sugar in the food you eat, secreting acid that destroys tooth enamel. Therefore, the most effective way to prevent cavities is to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine. We recommend adhering to the following rules:
- Brush your teeth for two full minutes twice a day, after breakfast and before bed.
- Make sure to clean well along the gumline and at the back of the mouth.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel and fight bacteria.
- Floss thoroughly every evening.
- Use a water flosser in addition to flossing and brushing traditionally every evening.
Another important step in cavity prevention is regular professional dental cleanings. Even if your oral hygiene is good, some plaque and tartar can still accumulate on your teeth over time, especially in hard-to-reach areas or if you have teeth alignment issues. People with healthy teeth are typically recommended to have professional cleanings twice a year. If your teeth are prone to cavities or you have gum disease, you may be advised to have cleanings every 3 to 4 months.
Additionally, we recommend opting for professional fluoride treatments after every cleaning. Fluoride remineralizes tooth enamel, making it more resistant to cavities. Professional fluoride treatments use a much more potent fluoride solution compared to over-the-counter products, delivering an instant boost to your dental health.
Treat Cavities at Valley Alder
If you notice signs of the cavities we discuss in this article, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Valley Alder. At our office, we use high-quality dental materials and modern diagnostic and treatment methods to ensure each client’s oral health. We are looking forward to your visit.
