Dental caries, also called cavities, are deteriorated regions of your teeth brought on by an accumulation of oral bacteria. They might only annoy you a little, or they might seriously hurt you.
The sensation varies depending on the extent of damage that has been done, making it challenging to describe. This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, signs, treatments, and preventative measures related to cavities in addition to giving a complete explanation of how a cavity feels.
A cavity is a small opening caused by tooth decay. Bacteria that have managed to accumulate and begun to grow are consuming your tooth.
This could result from numerous symptoms, ranging from minor discomfort to excruciating pain. Cavities usually need to be treated by a dentist, depending on the severity of the damage.
When oral bacteria damage the enamel of your teeth, cavities form. These microbes can be identified in different sources, including saliva, food, and beverages.
Your mouth gets increasingly acidic as the bacteria builds up, which erodes and ultimately destroys the enamel. Over time, cavities might result from this.
After consuming particularlty cold or sugary treats or beverages, a cavity frequently starts as a dull ache, but it can develop and cause more pain over time. It could also be tender.
A cavity that is more severe may cause strong pain that lasts for a few seconds or longer. A cavity will affect everyone differently; while some people may only experience minor discomfort, others may experience excruciating pain.
Visit the dentist right away if you suspect you may have a cavity so they can accurately identify the problem and advise you on what to do next.
Often, cavities will begin to form and you will not even notice. This is because at first there are no noticeable signs or symptoms since they start very small. Over time, they can grow and become more apparent by causing pain or discomfort.
Some noticeable signs of a potential cavity include lingering bad breath, a toothache, and increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages. If there is a cavity, you will most likely also feel a shooting or sharp pain when consuming something particularly acidic or high in sugar.
In some cases, cavities can also cause toothaches, swelling of the gums, and an abscess or pus buildup in the affected area. If you start to experience any of these symptoms, you must make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
The primary cause of cavities is poor oral hygiene. This might occur if you do not always regularly brush your teeth, floss, and use mouthwash. Additionally, the following elements may increase your risk of developing cavities:
A great way to avoid cavities is to practice good oral hygiene. This calls for the use of mouthwash, twice-daily, two-minute brushing sessions, and daily flossing. Routine dental exams are also necessary to spot any issues early.
Additionally, it's important to limit your intake of sugary foods. You can lower your risk of getting cavities and the quantity of oral bacteria by doing this.
Brushing your teeth meticulously at least twice everyday and using floss at least once daily are necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, you must also use mouthwash and fluoridated toothpaste.
Routine dental exams are also very important. Your dentist would be able to identify issues before they worsen and will treat you accordingly.
Treatment of a cavity will largely depend on the size and severity of the cavity.
For most small cavities that are caught early, a dental filling is all that will be needed. This requires replacing any of the decayed portion of the tooth with some sort of material to help heal the tooth.
Root Canal
For cavities that have been left untreated and are a bit more severe, a root canal may be necessary to bring restoration to the tooth.
This will be a more invasive treatment that will involve numbing of the area, potential local anesthesia, and then removing the pulp that is infected from the tooth. Once complete, the tooth will be sealed so that no further decay is possible.
Lastly, if the cavity is particularly severe, the tooh may even need to be extracted. If this is necessary, your dentist will discuss alternative treatments with you, which may include a bridge or dental implants to restore the area.
Charlotte Emergency is dedicated to offering the finest dental care.
At Charlotte Emergency, we prioritize first-rate treatment and healthy, beautiful smiles for all our patients. In addition to emergency treatment, we provide a vast array of dental procedures.
If you have a busy schedule but still want to take care of your oral health, our extended hours and same-day services are the easiest way to do so.
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