Many people visit their dentist only when something is hurting, and guess what? Pain is how your body warns you that there is something wrong.
Waiting to visit a dental office near you until there is pain is too late, and the key to proper oral health care is preventive dentistry. We suggest you have your dental exams in Aldergrove every six months so we can detect any early signs of oral diseases.
However, if you struggle to keep up with dental checkups near you, we will tell you how to detect a cavity early. If you feel any of the symptoms that we will describe further, you may contact our dental office in Aldergrove as soon as possible.
Cavities – What Are They?
A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that occurs due to the destruction of the enamel. Bacteria react with food particles and produce acids that wear your enamel off. To prevent them, primary oral care habits are needed:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day.
- Flossing at least once a day.
- Avoid sugary snacks.
- Scheduling dental checkups twice a year for fluoride applications and other preventive treatments.
Signs of a Cavity
Tooth Discoloration
Sometimes, it is hard to detect a cavity because they don’t always hurt. It is for this reason that you must be aware of any visible changes in your teeth, such as discoloration, and darker surfaces in your teeth (black, brown, or grey spots). Keep in mind that white spots are also a warning sign, especially when they are chalk-colored.
Inflamed Gums
Red and swollen gums may also be a sign of cavities. Pay attention to the condition of your gingiva, especially when brushing and flossing your teeth.
Pain When You Bite Down
If you have healthy teeth, they won’t hurt when you eat; on the contrary, if you feel pain when you chew food, visit a dentist as soon as possible, as it is a common sign that there is a cavity.
Hypersensitivity
If you feel that your teeth are tender, your enamel might be wearing away. If the sensitivity occurs after the exposition to hot or cold temperatures, seek immediate assistance.
Random Discomfort
Sometimes you might feel random dental pain, and you don’t seem to know the cause. It is a typical scenario of dental cavities.
A Hole in the Surface
The clearest signal of a cavity is a visible hole. If you detect any chips, cracks, or holes, contact your visit as soon as possible before it grows even more.
When the cavity is already visible, it means that it is advanced, and you should seek treatment right away. Your dental professional will evaluate you and discuss the possible treatments, being dental fillings the most common one, if the cavity is not that large. He or she will numb the affected area for you not to feel any pain, remove the damaged dental structure, condition the surface for bonding, and apply a bonding agent that allows the composite resin adheres to the tooth properly.
If, however, you don’t have enough healthy tooth structure, your dentist might suggest restoring it with more resistant material, such as porcelain (dental crowns or dental veneers)
Schedule Your Appointment
If you experience one or more of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of caring doctors that will help you restore your damaged teeth and give you proper oral care instructions to prevent dental issues.
Remember that prompt treatment is the best treatment. Ignoring these symptoms may lead to more complex and expensive treatments.