As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to indulging in delicious feasts and festive treats. However, a small cavity can affect how you enjoy what you eat. Read on to learn what cavities are, the warning signs to watch for, and how our dentists can treat and help you prevent a cavity.
The Cause and Common Types of Cavities
A cavity is a hole in the tooth caused by tooth decay or the erosion of tooth enamel. It often begins as white or dark spots and may later develop into visible holes. Tartar buildup, plaque bacteria, and acidic or sugary foods often cause cavities.
Symptoms include sensitivity and pain, with different types of cavities forming on various parts of the teeth. Common types of cavities on teeth include pit, fissure, smooth surface cavities, and root cavities. Early signs include tenderness or mild ache, white spots indicating demineralization, or gingivitis near the gum line. At this phase, decay might still be reversible.
How a Small Cavity Can Affect How You Eat
A small cavity can make chewing food uncomfortable by creating sensitivity when you bite down. That tiny cavity could turn your joyful celebration into a painful ordeal. Cavities can also cause sensitivity to temperature, leading to sharp pains when consuming hot or cold drinks.
How Tiny Cavities Can Turn into a Painful Ordeal
Cavities, or dental caries, can start without any symptoms. There are some telltale signs that you might have a tooth cavity. Watch for these common symptoms.
- Toothache: Persistent pain or discomfort in your tooth is often a key indicator.
- Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
- Visible Holes or Discolored Spots: Dark spots or holes on the surface of your teeth.
- Pain When Biting: Discomfort when you apply pressure or bite down.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our dental team to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
Tips for Cavity Prevention
Daily oral hygiene is important. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss, and keep up with regular dental checkups to avoid cavities.
- Brush Regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss Daily: Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
- Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and remineralize enamel.
- Get Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits to the dentist can catch cavities early before they become severe.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid with a Cavity
If you suspect or know that you have a cavity, it’s wise to avoid certain foods and drinks that can make the cavity worse:
- Sugary Foods and Drinks: Candy, soda, and other sweets can worsen decay.
- Sticky Foods: Foods like caramel and dried fruits can cling to teeth and promote bacteria.
- Acidic Foods and Drinks: Citrus fruits and juices can erode enamel further.
- Hard Foods: Hard candies or nuts can cause more damage to a weak tooth.
Dental Treatment Options for Cavities
Treatment options include dental fillings for minor decay, crowns for severe damage, and root canal therapy for infections. Schedule a dentist visit immediately if symptoms like pain, swelling, or persistent bad breath appear. Fillings are generally necessary for advanced decay.
Should a cavity develop, there are several treatment options available depending on the severity:
Fluoride Treatments: For early-stage cavities, fluoride treatments can help restore tooth enamel.
Fillings: The most common tooth filling treatment involves removing tooth decay and filling it with materials such as composite resin or amalgam.
Crowns: In some cases, a crown might be needed to cover and protect the tooth.
Root Canals: If the tooth decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, a root canal may be necessary to save the tooth.
Tooth Extraction: In severe cases of tooth decay, the tooth may need to be removed.
FAQ’s on Cavities
Does A Small Cavity Need To Be Filled?
Not all early tooth decay needs a filling. Check out this resource from Colgate for more information.
Can A Small Cavity Go Away?
A small cavity cannot go away on its own. Cavities are spots of tooth decay caused by bacteria. Once a cavity develops, you’ll need a dentist to treat it and stop it from worsening. You can usually prevent early-stage cavities from worsening by visiting your dentist for treatment and getting into a good daily oral hygiene routine.
What Does A Cavity Look Like?
A cavity often appears as a small hole or pit on the surface of a tooth. It may look like a dark spot or stain, especially on the grooves of molars. As a cavity progresses it can become larger and more noticeable, potentially leading to visible decay or even a chipped or broken tooth if left untreated. In some cases, the cavity may not be visible without a dental examination.
Do Cavities Hurt?
As tooth decay progresses, it can reach the inner layers of the tooth where nerves are located, causing pain and sensitivity, especially when eating hot, cold, or sweet foods. If you suspect you have a cavity, contact your dentist’s office to schedule an exam.
Don’t Let a Small Cavity Spoil Your Holiday Spirit
Spotting the signs of tooth decay early, keeping up with good oral hygiene, and making smart choices about what you eat and drink can keep your smile looking great. A quick visit to the dentist can save you from a lot of pain and discomfort. Schedule an appointment for personalized cavity treatment and preventive care with Three Rivers Dental Group.
Cavities can often be prevented with proper oral care and regular dental visits. Schedule a dental check-up before the holidays so you can savor every bite of your festive feast without worries. Regular dental visits remain key to maintaining optimal oral health. Take a look at our resources on preventing and treating cavities, and find out how you can enjoy your holiday meals again with the right dental care.
- Enjoying Holiday Meals with New Dentures or Partials
- Holiday Comfort Foods and Your Smile
- Dental Treatment for Toothache Pain
- 5 Commons Signs of Tooth Decay and Dental Options to Save Teeth
Dental emergencies can come up at any time. For emergency dental attention contact Three Rivers Dental Group.