Just because you brush your teeth doesn’t mean you’re cavity-free and don’t need to go to the dentist. Decay can occur with minimal symptoms until it reaches a severe stage. Thankfully, routine oral exams detect damage and prevent future pain. Understanding cavities and their symptoms will help you maintain a confident smile.

Causes & Symptoms

Decay happens when bacteria and their acidic excretions form plaque, which erodes your enamel and the softer tissues inside your tooth. High intake of sugar and starch, frequent snacking, and improper teeth cleaning are the main factors that lead to cavity formation.

The first sign of a cavity is discoloration on your tooth. As the outer layer of enamel is worn away, a white patch will develop. When decay reaches inner tissues and erodes them, the area will turn yellow, then shift to brown or even black as the cavity progresses. Dents, ridges, and visible holes in your teeth will appear as bacteria eat away at your tooth matter. Tooth sensitivity and bad breath may also signal decay.

Prevention Tips

Maintaining a healthy oral lifestyle is the best way to avoid cavities. Brush and floss at least twice a day and have annual exams so your dentist can detect and treat cavities early on.

Limit how much sugar and starch you consume, as these feed bacteria and contribute to erosion. Snacking should be limited, too. Dental sealants may also be worth considering, since they form a protective barrier on your teeth to prevent decay.

Treatment Options

A cavity in the early stages may be healed with a fluoride treatment. Most cavities beyond that stage can be treated with a filling, where the damaged tissue is removed, and a dental material replaces it. Large fillings may need a crown placed over them to strengthen the tooth and protect it from chipping or breaking when chewing. 

If you leave a cavity untreated, it will spread into the root and create an abscess, a pocket of infection that causes severe pain and swelling. A root canal will be done in an attempt to save the tooth, but if it’s not successful or the damage is too severe, the dentist may have to extract the tooth.

Are you overdue for an oral exam from an experienced dentist? The Montana Center for Laser Dentistry PLLC has provided comprehensive dental care since 2001, including gentle, effective laser treatment for cavities. With a location in Whitefish, MT, and another in Kalispell, MT, this dental office will restore your smile and confidence. View a list of their services online. Call (406) 862-1010 for their Whitefish office or (406) 730-1010 for the Kalispell one.