Cavities are one of the most common tooth decay problems that will affect your overall dental hygiene. Tooth decay takes place due to numerous reasons. Therefore, paying close attention to the signs and symptoms is essential to ensure you seek proper dental care immediately. Treating the cavities will help you prevent decay from causing more severe problems, which can ultimately lead to root canal treatment.
Cavities can be removed through regular dental checkups. In certain cases, the dentist might recommend an oral x-ray to evaluate the oral condition. Some of the common signs of a cavity that would encourage you to visit a dentist in San Diego, CA, are:
- Dark Spots: When the cavity starts developing for the first time, it will create a dark spot on the surface of your mouth. Initially, the dark spots might look like simple staining and non-harmful, but this is a bigger problem. Assuming that the dark spots are mild tooth discoloration would be a huge mistake. Over time, the dark spots will get stronger, which would ultimately signal tooth decay. In some situations, cavities may also look like light or white marks on the tooth.
- Tooth Sensitivity: This is another sign that might indicate the urgency of consulting with a dentist regarding your cavity problem. As decay will cause irritation in your tooth continuously, the dentin will be exposed to foreign materials. As dentin is more porous, you may experience sensitivity problems. You may also notice that one tooth or multiple teeth are sensitive when you drink something too hot or too cold. Sometimes, the cavities will also spark a sheer pain in your teeth. Don’t forget to visit a reputed dentist who can evaluate your condition and suggest the best medications and treatments.
- Bad Breath: Your mouth will be the hometown of bacteria. Even if you floss and brush twice a day, it’s impossible to remove the bacteria 100%. Neglecting oral health will trigger bacterial infection, which would compromise the tooth and cause cavities to form. Just like other organisms, the oral bacteria will create waste that can cause bad breath and an unpleasant taste. You don’t want to experience an embarrassing situation due to your bad breath. If you notice you’re developing bad breath, it’s time for a dental checkup.
Experiencing cavities will cause numerous problems in your life, from pain to sensitivity. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may also need to limit your food intake. To prevent the situation from worsening over time, make sure you visit a dentist.