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Cavities—also called dental caries—are a common oral malady. However, they must be treated quickly, or they can lead to further decay, infections, and other damage. Because they are common, some people wonder if they could detect the issue sooner; below is a quick guide to how cavities form and when you should see your dentist for a filling.

A Basic Guide to Dental Cavities

How Do They Form?

When you eat anything with sugar on it, that sugar stays on the teeth. The bacteria in your mouth feed on that sugar, which then produces acid. That acid eats through the protective outer layer of the teeth (enamel) and creates a small infected hole in the tooth. That cavity will get larger with time, eventually moving down into the root and killing the tooth.

Can You Feel Cavities?

dentistThere is no way to recognize a cavity in the early stages while it’s eating your way through the enamel, except by visiting the dentist. Your dentist will inspect your teeth for signs of cavities at all stages. Once the decay reaches the softer tissues inside the tooth (dentin), you’ll start to feel it.

It can be subtle at first, so pay attention to how you feel. Your tooth may be sensitive to touch, such as when you brush your teeth or bite down. You may also feel a toothache when you expose the tooth to extreme temperatures, such as when you eat hot or cold foods. The pain may get worse when you eat sweets, as the new sugar in your mouth leads to the creation of more acid, which enters the cavity and irritates the nerve inside.

 

Outside of good oral care at home, the best way to catch cavities early on is by visiting your dentist every six months. You should schedule an emergency appointment if you feel unexplained sensitivity or pain. Gregory Sy, DDS & Associates provides compassionate and thorough care for patients in Lorain and Amherst, OH. This local office offers a full range of services for patients of all ages, from cosmetic dentistry to cavity fillings. With their help, you can maintain a healthy and attractive smile. Contact them online or at (440) 282-9550 to schedule your appointment.

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