Most people associate having a cavity with children eating too much candy, but you can develop tooth decay at any time and any age. Even people who brush regularly can still get cavities.
Why It’s Important to Get Treatment for a Cavity
Untreated tooth decay in Oshawa can become serious. The decay can destroy tooth enamel, quickly causing a cavity in the dentin underneath. Dentin is far softer, so it is more easily eroded. Without professional dental care, the cavity can reach the tooth pulp, which houses the tooth’s nerve, connective tissues, and blood vessels, causing severe toothache and infection.
Detecting Cavities at Home
Some signs could indicate that you are developing a cavity. These are outlined below.
Dark Spots or Small Holes
Early signs of tooth enamel erosion can cause dark spots or small holes in teeth that can be visible to the naked eye. If you see a dark spot or think you have a hole in a tooth, it’s always best to visit us as soon as possible.
Pain Or Discomfort
One of the main signs of a cavity is pain that may be continuous, shooting, or throbbing. It may be present when you bite down on a tooth. If you have a tooth that is starting to feel uncomfortable or find that you avoid chewing on a particular tooth, it’s time for a dental checkup at
Margolian Dentistry.
Tooth Sensitivity
A cavity can cause tooth sensitivity when you eat anything hot or cold. When you have anything sweet or sour, your teeth can also feel more sensitive.
Bad Breath
A cavity can cause bad breath as tooth decay allows food particles and other bacteria to get stuck inside the hole. In addition, you may find you have an unpleasant taste.
The sooner we can treat a cavity in Whitby, the better. Filling a small hole in a tooth is much quicker and cheaper than completing lengthier and more technical dental work such as root canal therapy in Ajax.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Although cavities are common, they are preventable. Below are some tips to help keep your teeth strong, healthy, and cavity-free.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating properly can protect your overall health and your oral health. Limiting the amount of sugary and acidic foods you consume is important to help keep your tooth enamel strong, healthy and free from erosion. If you want these foods, have them as part of your main meal rather than as a snack to help reduce your risk of tooth decay.
Ensure you include plenty of foods that can help strengthen your teeth, especially those high in calcium and phosphorus. These help to strengthen tooth enamel and fight cavities. If you are unsure which foods to eat, ask us for help and advice.
Practice Proper Oral Care
Good oral hygiene is essential for good dental health. You must brush twice daily, ideally first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Ensure you floss daily to remove plaque and food debris from hard-to-reach areas like those between your teeth.
Make sure you choose a soft-bristled toothbrush, use fluoride toothpaste, and don’t brush your teeth too aggressively. Scrubbing your teeth too hard can damage your tooth enamel. If you have an electric toothbrush, it may alert you if you are brushing too hard.
Visit Us Regularly
Regular dental checkups help you maintain good dental health more easily. We have the professional training and the tools to spot early signs of cavities and provide the proper treatment to stop tooth decay and restore teeth properly.
