The reason your dentist wants you to practice good teeth cleaning habits is to prevent cavities, which occur when the bacteria in your mouth produce enough acid to eat a small hole in your dental enamel. If left to grow, a cavity can weaken the tooth and allow bacteria into the soft tissue inside, causing pain and infections. To prevent this, visit a dentist as soon as you notice any of these signs.

How to Tell If You Need to See a Dentist for a Cavity

1. Spots

An early sign of cavities is a black, brown, or white spot on the tooth enamel. It may be sticky to the touch. Though it may not seem to extend deep into the tooth, once that spot is there, it can quickly grow worse, so seek treatment as soon as you see it.

2. Pits

If a cavity is left to develop, it will begin to wear a hole in the tooth. You may see a pit or divot. Deep ones may wear through the white tooth enamel to the yellowish or brownish dentin underneath, causing the pit to look darker than the surrounding tooth. Your molars have natural pits and crevices; get familiar with their surfaces so you can spot any changes.

3. Sensitivity

If you can feel a cavity, it's become severe, and you need to see a dentist right away. You may notice a sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks or experience pain when you bite down. As the cavity gets deeper and the soft tissue is exposed, you'll likely develop a more persistent toothache and see swelling in the area.

If you need a filling or dental crown for cavities, visit Family First Dentistry. Serving Anchorage, AK, their dentists cater to both adults and younger patients ages three and up. They offer same-day treatment, so you won't have to make multiple visits to their office, and provide a full range of services, including invisible braces and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call (907) 562-2820 or send a message online.