Common Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Cavity
Did you know that the majority of people with a hidden tooth cavity don’t even know they have one? Hidden tooth cavities can cause a lot of pain without showing signs or symptoms, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be detected. In this article, I’ll show you 7 Common Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Cavity.
But first let’s talk about what is Tooth Cavity.
What is Tooth Cavity?
Tooth cavities, also referred to as dental caries, are holes in a tooth caused by tooth decay. Tooth cavities can result from decay-causing bacteria spread through sugary foods and drinks in the mouth. The bacteria produce acid continuously that can cause issues with a tooth’s enamel.
Tooth cavity is an infection in the tooth. The infection may then leave the tooth and the bone around it. Tooth cavities happen when the bacteria found in the mouth, create acids that attack the tooth enamel, leaving it weak and brittle. The bacteria then break down some of the sugars found in food and create lactic acid. When saliva combines with that lactic acid, it creates a soft, sticky layer called plaque.
Some people may have weaker enamel because of genetics, a reduced ability to fight off infections, or a lack of proper brushing and flossing.
Persistent Toothache
Persistent toothache is the most common reason of tooth cavity. It may happen because of lack of enough fluoride in the mouth. But there are other causes of main root cavities also. Other than that, it causes bone damage and low availability of nutrients to the body.
Pain When Chewing
If you chew something hard enough to cause the inside of your mouth to hurt, it could be a sign of a cavity. It could also be a sign that you need to floss or some other dental care item.
If you have cavities, your teeth act like billboards for pain. It is a normal reaction of your body to remove the plaque and early signs of damage. When you put pressure on your teeth, they show that there is damage deeper inside, telling you to pay attention.
If you push on the infected tooth’s pulp, it feels subtle to severe pain. That cheek hurts from time to time when you mouth open — and you feel terrible if it throbs too much. You might be able to progress fairly freely within your mouth, but you just need an appointment as soon as possible before a root canal or tooth extraction becomes necessary.
Ignoring the painful feeling is a costly decision to avoid. A broken tooth can hurt later and be treated more expensive with future oral surgeries and teeth repair.
Holes on The Tooth’s Surface
Visible pits on the surface of the tooth are a common symptom of early decay. Visible pits on the surface of your teeth mean you had teeth that were healthy in your youth. They imply that decay has progressed to advanced stages or that your dental hygiene is questionable.
Many dental problems are invisible at the surface because they’re caused by bacteria. It’s important to know what it is your body is telling you so you can make the right choices.
Bad Breath
Smelling like an onion is a sign of poor oral hygiene, which in turn indicates the possibility of cavities, periodontal disease and bad breath. Bad breath on the other hand can be a symptom of tooth cavity which is the earliest stage of tooth decay.
Bad breath is a common sign of tooth decay. If you have bad breath, you may want to invest in some dental care. Bad breath is not considered a medical illness, but it can be embarrassing. It also makes it more difficult to communicate with others.
Discolored Teeth
A surprising sign of tooth cavity is teeth that no longer have the same color. While it’s normal for teeth to change color as they get older, teeth that are pasted together with little to no color difference are a sign of tooth decay or possible tooth cavity. This is because high levels of sugar can change the colors of your teeth.
Holes in the Enamel
Tooth decay is caused by a number of factors, but one of the main causes of tooth decay is acidity in the mouth. The acids produced by bacteria can attack the enamel of the teeth. Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay. It’s important to brush your teeth twice daily and avoid eating or drinking from sticky products. Too much morning coffee can also lead to tooth decay.
How To Prevent Dental Cavities
Eating a healthy diet is important in maintaining a healthy tooth structure. Implementing these dental habits can prevent the need for fillings and more invasive procedures. A few of the most common causes of tooth decay including:
- Use fluoride toothpaste when brushing your teeth
- Always rinse your mouth
- Have a schedule with your dentist regularly
- Consider using dental sealants
- Drink tap water
- Avoid frequent snacking as much as possible
- Consider eating tooth healthy food
- Use fluoride treatments
Conclusion
Your teeth are essential for your overall health. Your teeth are a part of your body, just like your stomach, lungs, and arteries – they feed it and protect it from illness. If you think about it though, oral care is a vital part of overall health care – it’s as important as any part of your body. Regular brushing and flossing not only helps prevent cavities but also prevents gum disease, heart disease, bone loss and other illnesses.