Cavity is a word no one likes to hear when sitting in the dentist’s chair, especially if you’ve never had one before. But, before you panic, the friendly dentists at Dental Clinic of Onalaska say understanding everything there is to know about cavities can help you improve your long-term oral health.

Serving residents throughout Wisconsin, the premier dental practice provides a broad range of top-quality services, including routine teeth cleanings, teeth whitening, dental implants, and oral exams. Below, the experienced dentists discuss everything you need to know about cavities:

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by acid erosion that has eliminated the enamel that separates saliva from the root of your tooth. This exposes the nerves in your tooth, which may cause pain when you eat or drink.

How Do Cavities Form?

When you consume sugary foods or beverages, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar and produces acid. The acid then eats away at the enamel of your tooth, which eventually leads to a cavity.

What Are the Signs of a Cavity?

During the early stages of a cavity you may not feel anything, however, once the decay reaches the tissues inside your tooth, you may experience sensitivity or pain when eating sweets or hot or cold food. You may also feel pain when you bite down with the infected tooth.

How Can I Treat a Cavity?

To treat a cavity, you must schedule an appointment with your dentist for an X-ray. Depending on how severe the cavity is, you may need a filling or even a root canal.

If you think you may have a cavity, or it’s time to schedule your routine dental exam, call (608) 783-3341 to make an appointment with one of the skilled dentists at Dental Clinic of Onalaska. You can also visit their website for more information about their comprehensive list of treatments and services.