Tooth cavities are usually associated with small children as they eat a lot of chocolates and sugary items, plus they do not take care of their dental health as well as they should. However, according to statistics, one in four adults in the United States between the ages of 20 and 64 currently have at least one cavity. It is a problem prevalent among people in all age groups.
A cavity is the decay and breakdown of your tooth structure due to the build-up of bacteria on it. Bacteria leads to plaque build-up, which forms a sticky layer on your tooth. When plaque is not removed promptly, it can erode the enamel and form a hole in the tooth or a pit. If you or your child has cavities, visit a dentist in Lakewood Ranch, FL, today.
What are the oral symptoms of a cavity?
It is not always possible to know that you have a cavity unless you really look into all of your teeth. The signs and symptoms of a cavity can vary, from no pain at all when the cavity is forming to severe pain when it has progressed further and gotten bigger. Some of the most common signs of an oral cavity include the following:
- Sensitive teeth.
- Sudden or unexplainable toothache.
- Spots or gaps on your teeth.
- From mild to strong pain when you have something hot, cold, or sugary.
- Hurts when you chew.
- Black, brown, or white marks on a tooth’s surface.
How is a cavity diagnosed?
Diagnosing tooth cavities often happens when you go for your regular dental check-up. People can spot their cavities at home when they feel pain and discomfort. To diagnose tooth decay or cavities, your dentist will first ask you about the symptoms, look at your teeth, and if they suspect a cavity, they will perform an X-ray.
Treatment options for tooth cavities
Several treatment options are available for cavities, and which one your dentist will recommend depends on the severity of your problem. Some of them include:
- Tooth fillings: They are usually done using silver, gold, or composite resin.
- Crowns: They are custom-fit caps that go over your damaged tooth.
- Root canal: These are required under severe circumstances where your dentist removes the damaged nerves, tissues, and other areas of your tooth.
Why an early-stage treatment is important
An early-stage treatment is important for a decaying tooth because your dentist won’t have to conduct extensive treatments like tooth fillings, crowns, and root canals. They can restore your damaged tooth’s enamel with fluoride treatment, which is less invasive, less costly, and quicker.
If you have cavities, see a dentist today.
