It can be quite discouraging to go to the dentist and find out you have a cavity. A cavity means that you will have to get it fixed – and no one enjoys getting teeth fixed. Depending on the extent of the cavity, you may have to have quite a bit of work done. Hopefully, you have a solid dental hygiene plan that includes regular checkups to keep the cavities at bay. However, no matter how hard you try to take care of your teeth, there is always a chance that a cavity will develop.
Just as with any medical condition, the sooner you get treatment for a cavity, the better. Catching the cavity before it gets too large can mean an easier treatment, such as a simple filling. Knowing if you have a cavity developing, that can be tough to determine. There are some signs you can look for that could mean you have a cavity. Knowing the signs of a cavity ensures that you know what to watch for, so you can seek immediate treatment and avoid costly dental treatments.
- Pain – the biggest indicator of a possible cavity is pain. Your teeth should not hurt you at any time. Pain in your teeth means that something is wrong, and the culprit could be a cavity. If you feel pain, no matter how minor or significant, you need to schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible.
- Bad breath – another indicator of a possible cavity is bad breath. Now, you may have bad breath now and then from different foods you eat or after a long night’s sleep. But if you notice significantly bad breath on a regular basis, even after brushing, it could be a sign of an infection, which could be related to a cavity. If you have bad breath that just won’t go away, schedule a dental appointment.
- Tooth sensitivity – if you notice that one of your teeth or even an area of teeth has increased sensitivity, you may have a developing cavity. This includes sensitivity to hot and cold, as well as sensitivity to different foods and even pressure. If you notice sensitivity, contact your dentist.
These three things are the biggest indicators of a possible cavity. Keep in mind that you can still get a cavity without having any of the symptoms. However, in most cases, you will notice a change, no matter how subtle, that can be an indicator of a possible problem.
The best way to combat cavities is, of course, prevention. This means having a good dental hygiene plan that includes brushing, flossing, mouthwash, and regular checkups. When it comes to your dental health, you have to be proactive. You cannot wait for the dentist to fix the problems – you must battle potential problems at home, so you don’t have to deal with costly and sometimes painful dental treatments. Between your at-home routine and your regular dental checkups, you should be able to enjoy a healthy, happy mouth for the rest of your life.
