- What is a Cavity?
- How Do Cavities Form?
- What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
- Causes of Cavities
- Prevention Of Cavities
- Treatments For Cavities
- Dental Health Tips
- Make An Appointment With Our Dentist At Eddie G Tennison DDS Now!
- Conclusion
Having a cavity can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. If you have never had one, you may wonder what a cavity feels like.
Cavities can be caused by poor oral hygiene, drinking sugary drinks, or eating sugary snacks, and the effects of cavities can range from mild to severe.
A mild cavity may not cause discomfort or pain, but a severe cavity can cause intense dental pain. Some common symptoms of cavities include sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pain when biting down, and a dull ache in the affected tooth.
In some cases, cavities may even cause bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. If you suspect, you may have a cavity, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential.
The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to treat the cavity and the more pain you may experience.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole forming in a tooth's hard enamel. It is caused by tooth decay due to bacteria and plaque buildup. The bacteria and plaque form an acidic substance eats away at the enamel and causes a cavity.
Cavities can range in size from small to large and can form on any part of the tooth. The most common place for a cavity to form is on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth.
The first sign of a cavity is usually a white or brown spot on the tooth. If left untreated, the spot can turn into a hole, and the decay will spread to the tooth's inner layers.
If the decay reaches the inner layer of the tooth, the pulp, it can cause inflammation and infection. This can lead to pain and discomfort and cause the tooth to become brittle and break.
How Do Cavities Form?
Cavities form when bacteria and plaque accumulate on the teeth. This happens when food particles and sugar are not brushed away after eating.
The bacteria and plaque form an acidic substance eats away at the enamel and causes a cavity.
Poor oral hygiene, sugary snacks and drinks, and certain types of bacteria can all increase the risk of cavities.
The bacteria and plaque form a sticky film on the surface of the teeth called plaque. As the plaque builds up, it traps food particles and sugar between the teeth.
This creates an environment where the bacteria can thrive and produce acid. The acid erodes the enamel of the teeth, creating a cavity.
What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
Cavities can range in severity from mild to severe, and the symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the cavity. A mild cavity may not cause pain or discomfort, but a severe cavity can cause intense dental pain.
Some common symptoms of cavities include sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, pain when biting down, and a dull ache in the affected tooth. In some cases, cavities may even cause bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
In the early stages of a cavity, the symptoms may be mild. You may experience tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks.
You may also experience a dull ache in the affected tooth. As the cavity progresses, the symptoms may become more severe. When biting down, the tooth may become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures.
Sometimes, the tooth may become so decayed that it hurts even when unused.
Causes of Cavities
Poor oral hygiene, sugary snacks and drinks, and certain types of bacteria usually cause cavities. Poor oral hygiene can allow plaque and bacteria to build up on the teeth, leading to cavities.
Eating sugary snacks and drinking sugary beverages can also increase the risk of cavities, as sugar provides a food source for bacteria.
Certain bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, can produce acid that can erode the enamel and cause a cavity.
Prevention Of Cavities
The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily can help remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth.
Limiting your sugary snacks and drinks intake can also help reduce your risk of cavities. Regular dental checkups are also important, as they can help detect cavities in the early stages before they become severe.
Treatments For Cavities
If you suspect you have a cavity, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to treat the cavity and the more pain you may experience. The treatment for a cavity depends on the severity of the cavity.
The dentist will fill the cavity with material for mild cavities. Severe cavities may require a root canal or other treatment to restore the affected tooth.
Dental Health Tips
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent cavities. Be sure to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
If you eat sugary snacks or drinks, brush your teeth afterwards. Regular dental checkups are also important, as they can help detect cavities in the early stages before they become severe.
Make An Appointment With Our Dentist At Eddie G Tennison DDS Now!
Our goal is to offer as many treatments as possible to our patients at reasonable prices so that most treatments can be done in our office instead of sending them to specialists.
Dr. Tennison has spent significant time training in various post-doctoral studies with mentors and professors. This lets him do things like implant surgery, removing wisdom teeth, and orthodontics that most general dentists don't do.
Visit your dentist at the Eddie G Tennison DDS Dental Clinic to enjoy your favorite desserts or treats without worry. Our clinic offers a wide range of dental services to help you ensure that your teeth and overall dental health are at their peak.
Services offered include preventative care, restorative care, cosmetic care, and much more. If you have any questions about our services or want to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to call us today at (512) 244-1221.
You can also schedule an appointment online by visiting our website at https://dentistinroundrock.com/.
Conclusion
Cavities can be a painful and uncomfortable experience. If you suspect you have a cavity, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is essential. The longer you wait, the more difficult it may be to treat the cavity and the more pain you may experience.
The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good oral hygiene, limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks, and visit your dentist regularly. By following these steps, you can keep your teeth healthy and prevent cavities from occurring.
