Some cavities develop without creating any form of discomfort. This may prevent you from detecting the cavity unless you visit our professionals for a dental appointment. Whether seen or not, if left untreated, cavities can lead to severe dental and overall health implications.
How a Cavity Develops
Bacteria and food accumulation form a sticky substance known as plaque. Later, an escalation of oral bacteria produces harmful acids, which erode the teeth' enamel. Regular teeth flossing and brushing helps to eliminate the plaque. However, if left to build up, the bacteria corrode deeper into the tooth pulp leading to tiny openings. Untreated tooth corrosion causes severe problems such as a tooth abscess. Sometimes, the infection may get into the bloodstream, causing life-threatening effects.
Possible Cavity Symptoms
Plaque tends to infect areas such as the spaces in between the teeth, molar chewing surfaces, and around the gums. Eating starchy and sticky food that clings to the teeth increases the chances of developing cavities. One of the main cavity red flags is increased tooth sensitivity after exposure to hot, cold, or sweet food. In advanced cavity stages, bacteria eat their way to the dentin nerves.
Through the tiny cavities, hot, cold, or acidic food find their way into the tooth, stimulating the cells and nerves, leading to sensitivity. Spontaneous pain when chewing is another call for alarm. Likewise, white spots on your tooth indicate an early stage of a cavity. As the decay worsens, the stains become brownish or black in color. Soon, the decayed part gives in to form a pit or a hole in the teeth. In this stage, the cavities are visible and easily felt when one runs the tongue over the tooth surface.
It is not always easy to detect cavities in between the tooth; however, if you experience sensitivity or feel pain after taking hot or cold foods, you are suffering from tooth decay. Contact our offices for early cavity detection and get a lasting solution.
Talk to one of our caring patient coordinators today to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Frank Sioda 18676 Willamette Dr. Suite 202 West Linn, OR 97068-1718
Dental Blog | Dentist West Linn | ZenTech Dentistry Dr. Frank Sioda of ZenTech Dentistry has created this informative blog to help educate the community about a variety of dental topics. Learn more here. ZenTech Dentistry - Frank K. Sioda, DMD, PC, 18676 Willamette Dr., Suite 202, West Linn, OR 97068-1718 | (503) 765-9699 | zentechdentistry.com | 12/4/2024 | Page Terms:dentist West Linn |