Updated on August 10, 2024
How to Spot Cavity in Teeth
Of all dental problems, cavities are, without a doubt, the most common. Some estimate that about a third of all adults have untreated cavities, which have the potential to escalate and cause a bunch of other, more serious (dental) health issues down the line. Why do people ignore them, then? Well, early signs of a cavity can be difficult to spot, especially if they manifest in some of the molars that you can’t reach well when brushing and flossing. Luckily, we have some tips that will make your cavity hunting much easier!
In the following text, we’ll be covering everything, from the nature of cavities to their symptoms and, finally, some of the best preventive methods. Perhaps needless to say, however, visiting a dentist and getting a professional diagnosis, as well as feedback, is paramount when maintaining a healthy smile.
What Are Cavities?
The short answer here would be to say that cavities are those black spots you sometimes see on your teeth. For most people, that will suffice, as we all know those are the first tell-tale signs that we need to pay our dentist a visit. However, those a bit more curious will surely wonder what causes cavities to appear.
The root of every cavity is pretty much a bunch of bacteria. When you eat, some food gets stuck on the surface of your teeth, and eventually, it forms something called plaque, i.e., residual layers of food particles. When bacteria multiply in the plaque, they also produce acid, which can damage your teeth, resulting in, you’ve guessed it, cavities.
Early Signs of Cavity in Tooth Enamel
There are a lot of potential indicators of a cavity problem, as well as those that might signal your cavities are getting worse. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:
- Sensitivity — Sensitivity of any kind can be an early sign of a cavity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re sensitive to hot or cold or if eating sweets makes your teeth ache — you need to see your dentist. Sensitivity is basically the result of your enamel wearing away and your dentin, the deeper layer of the tooth, being exposed. When the enamel cannot protect it, it becomes susceptible to stimuli and thus sensitive.
- Pain — This should go without saying, but pain, as usual, is one of the most common signs of not just cavities but most dental problems. Whether sharp, dull, constant, or sporadic, pain is a big red flag, so book an appointment with your doctor.
- Literal cavities, i.e., holes in your tooth — Cavities might be black, but they often start as white spots on the enamel. If you see or feel that there is a small kind of pit in your tooth where those white spots once were, don’t hesitate to call your dentist because you most certainly have cavity problems.
How Serious of a Problem Are They and How Are They Treated?
Treating a cavity is usually a piece of cake for any dentist, so there is no reason to delay paying them a visit. If you choose to ignore a cavity, however, it can turn into a much more serious problem. And we are not just talking about more pain, although that is a huge issue. We’re also talking about chewing problems, broken teeth, gum swelling, and pus leaking, as well as potential tooth abscesses.
If you want to avoid those and similar problems, visit your dentist as soon as you notice any problems, and you will be free to enjoy your life to the fullest.
How to Stop Them From Appearing in the First Place
Cavities are, sadly, unavoidable for most people. At some point in your life, you’ll probably have to see a dentist. However, you can drastically reduce the chances of them appearing by maintaining a decent dental hygiene routine and watching your diet.
By brushing your teeth regularly, you will have most of your dental prevention done. If you add regular, daily flossing to your teeth-cleaning routine, you will be on the sure path to a healthy and beautiful smile. That is, cleaning your teeth regularly will remove the food debris from every crevice, thus diminishing the chances of plaque build-up, which is the main culprit behind cavities and other related issues, such as abscesses.
Of course, being conscious of what you eat and drink will also do miraculous work at maintaining your PH levels and dental health at an enviable level. If you can, try to avoid consuming things like:
- Hard candy — Hard candy is hard to chew, and it is full of sugar, so it will not only eat away at your enamel but also potentially chip your tooth as well.
- Soda — Sodas are also full of pesky sugar, and they will be detrimental to your PH levels and oral health. Try drinking more water instead and brush your teeth whenever you drink a coke or something similar.
- Juices — Juices can be just as bad as sodas and energy drinks. They are usually high in sugar and other sweeteners, which are the worst enemy of every healthy tooth.
- Sugary foods — Perhaps it goes without saying, but avoiding sugar in drinks is not enough, and you’ll need to watch what you eat as well. Avoid cake, biscuits, and other sweets as much as possible, and try consuming more fruit (but avoid hard fruits to avoid chipping your teeth!).
In addition, you should look into getting a good mouthwash, fluoride toothpaste, and a soft brush to avoid scraping your enamel too much. Also, regular dentist check-ups are crucial, as getting consistent professional feedback, as well as cleanings, take a lot of worries off our minds.