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Warning Signs of Cavities

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Warning Signs of Cavities

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Have you ever had a toothache and wondered to yourself, ‘is this a cavity?’ Sometimes it is, but sometimes it’s a whole different issue. If you don’t know how to spot a cavity coming, Mountain Aire Dentistry is here to help. Keep reading to learn the warning signs of a cavity developing, and what you can do to stop it in its tracks. 

What is a Cavity?

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, is the destruction of your tooth enamel. The American Dental Association explains on their MouthHealthy blog that plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, is constantly forming on our teeth. When we consume foods or drinks that have sugar, it causes the plaque to produce acids which attack the tooth enamel. The stickiness keeps acid on your teeth and causes the enamel to break down over time. This is when a cavity, which is a little hole in the tooth, can form. 

Signs of Cavities 

Cavities are very common, and most people know they have one due to the pain they can cause. The longer they go untreated, the more infected they can become and it can lead to tooth loss. If you have any of these signs, you might have a cavity that needs to be filled:

  • Toothache, sudden pain, or pain that occurs with no clear cause
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Mild-to-sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold 
  • Visible holes or pits in your teeth
  • Brown, black, or white stains on your tooth’s surface
  • Pain when you bite down 

If you have pain, it means there’s a problem. Don’t put off your pain and risk further complications, come and see Dr. Bockrath and Mountain Aire Dentistry to get to the bottom of your pain as soon as possible. 

How Cavities are Treated

The way our team treats cavities depends on how severe the decay is. Cavity treatment can include:

  • Fluoride: when decay is caught early, fluoride can help repair the tooth enamel. This process is called remineralization. 
  • Fillings: once there is a visible hole, dentists will drill out the decay and fill the hole with a composite.
  • Root canal: this is what treats pain caused by the decay. During a root canal, this healthcare provider removes the pulp that contains the nerves that cause the pain.
  • Tooth extraction: in severe cases, your infected tooth might have to be pulled. After this, you’ll then need to replace your missing tooth with implants or other options. 

How to Prevent Cavities 

One of the most important steps in cavity prevention is seeing your dentist twice a year. Catching cavities early is a way you can help prevent the hole from getting larger, infection from developing, and having to have a tooth extracted. A dental exam allows a dentist to see all areas of your mouth — especially the areas you can’t see with your own eyes, which can have problems forming that you might not be aware of. Additionally, your checkup will consist of a routine cleaning. This cleaning is one of the most important parts of your checkup. If you don’t show any signs of problems, the cleaning is simple and over before you know it. However, if you show signs of cavities or gum disease, a more thorough cleaning and treatment might be needed. 

Other ways to prevent cavities include: 

  • Drinking tap water that has been treated with fluoride 
  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, for two minutes each time
  • Limiting sugar intake, being sure to brush teeth thoroughly after consuming them
  • Flossing at least once a day to remove food stuck between the teeth
  • Chewing sugar-free gum to promote saliva flow, which can help remineralize tooth enamel 

While cavities are most common in children, adults are just as at-risk. In fact, 91% of adults have experienced a cavity. If you’re an adult, be sure you are taking the time to properly take care of your teeth each day. Further, if you are a caregiver for a child, you need to make sure you are supervising how they brush and clean their teeth until they are old enough to do it completely on their own — correctly. 

Make an Appointment with Dr. Bockrath

If you have a cavity that you need treated, or if you just want to prevent cavities from forming, make an appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry today. By coming in to see Dr. Bockrath, you’ll learn how to prevent cavities and decay, and have them treated if need be. Call our office now at (303)-731-7755 to come in for an appointment. 

 


291 E Flatiron Crossing Dr,
Broomfield, CO 80021

(303) 731-7755

 

When you visit our Broomfield dental office, your smile is our top priority. Our Dentists invite you to experience the difference a warm and caring team can provide for you and your family. Enjoy a unique and comfortable dental experience designed to bring a healthier and happier smile back into your life. We invite you to call or visit our Broomfield dental office and discover the exceptional difference we offer to those we serve.