90% of the population is affected by a dental cavity. Cavities are the second-most common health disorder in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health (the first is the common cold) and a very common disorder worldwide.  Most cavities are small and thus go unnoticed as they are not painful or uncomfortable. But those small cavities if left untreated can become larger cavities and trap food particles, irritating the pulp and leading to a toothache. Recognizing the signs of a cavity early can prevent you from discomfort and larger oral issues.

What is a Cavity?

The first thing you need to know for diagnosing/preventing cavities is what they are.  Tooth decay, caries, or the commonly used term, cavities, are holes in the two outer layers of your tooth called the enamel and the dentin.  The white, hard surface on the outside of your tooth is the enamel and the yellow layer just below is the dentin. Your enamel and dentin work together to protect the inner living tooth tissue called the pulp which houses the blood vessels and nerves of your tooth.  Why are cavities so common? There are a few things to consider when answering that question.  

Are Some People Predisposed to Cavities?

Anyone can be at risk for cavities, but certain age groups and socio-economic groups are more predisposed to cavities.  Cavities are often found in the teeth of children and young adults and are also more commonly found in people that have one of the following risk factors:

• People residing in areas without fluoridated drinking water
• Lower-income families (children and adults)
• Senior citizens
• People with decreased salivary flow (due to disease or medications)
• People undergoing radiation therapy
• People suffering from diabetes
• Tobacco–both smoking and chewing–alcohol, and drug users
• People who consume large amounts of carbonated and sugary drinks
• People who don’t practice good oral hygiene practices

Common Symptoms of a Cavity

One of the first things to note is that just because you don’t have one of the symptoms below doesn’t mean you don’t have a cavity. Small cavities–that become bigger if left untreated–often don’t have any noticeable symptoms. This is why it is so important to have your regular 6-month cleaning appointments so you can catch cavities early before they become more problematic.

Here are a few signs that something may not be right and that you may have undiagnosed cavities:

• Toothache or a dull pain in your mouth.
• Teeth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth or discoloration
• Chalky white spots on your teeth
• Fracturing teeth
• Sensitivity to biting pressure
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Cavities on the front teeth are the easiest to see and will look like a brown or black spot. Cavities in other parts of the mouth are often not visible without an X-ray.

Prevention

The best way to prevent cavities comes down to education, regular oral hygiene habits, regular dental check-ups, and diet adjustments. Consider the following four steps you can take to help prevent cavities.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

According to the National Institute of Health, good oral hygiene encompasses brushing your teeth (at least twice a day), flossing at least once, committing to a professional teeth-cleaning every six months, and having annual X-rays and dental exams to ward off cavity development.

Cut the Sugar

Deciding to cut down the amount of sugar in your diet (especially sugar found in soda and fruit juices) can help you in your efforts to prevent cavities. Consider brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth after eating sticky foods.  If you are a constant snacker, now is the time to think about breaking that habit.  Constantly eating, drinking sugary drinks, or sucking on hard candies or mints causes a constant stream of acid to be present in your mouth eating away at the enamel of your teeth.

Ask about Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are a great way to help prevent cavities from growing in the deep crevices of your teeth that are hard to reach with the bristles of your toothbrush. The Mayo Clinic agrees that dental sealants can help both children and adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends sealants for all school-age children.  Dental sealants last up to 10 years before they need to be replaced, though they need to be checked regularly to ensure they’re still intact.  The application of dental sealants is easy and painless. These thin, plastic-like coatings are easy to apply. Ask a member of our Mountain Aire Dentistry team about them if you have never had them before.

Use Fluoride

Fluoride is another cavity-prevention strategy. Fluoride can be consumed in drinking water or as a supplement. Topical fluoride is frequently applied as part of routine dental visits. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash. Dr. Bockrath can discuss with you the benefits of fluoride and how to make sure you are getting the amount you need.  Too much can be disastrous to your teeth and health so always consult with a professional before taking a fluoride supplement.

Call for An Appointment

If you are suspicious that you might have a cavity, call our office at (303) 731-7755. We will get you in as soon as possible. Dr. Bockrath is highly skilled and trained to provide a variety of dental services.  Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care.  We are located in Broomfield, CO with convenient access to the communities of Thornton, Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster.