Can a Cavity Be Painless?
Sure, it’s not enjoyable when you have dental pain but at least it’s easier to tell when something is off. An early cavity, for example, is trickier because it doesn’t cause pain every time. Luckily, our Ann Arbor, MI, dentists are familiar with the other ways a cavity can make itself known.
Here are a couple cavity signs and symptoms to look out for.
Reason for Cavity Development
It all comes down to diet and how committed you are to an oral hygiene routine. If you’re someone who only brushes their teeth once a day, rarely flosses, and loves sugary drinks, you may be at higher risk for developing .
Now, if you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss once daily, and receive a teeth cleaning every 6 months from our dentists, you’re golden. Otherwise, food and bacteria have more of a chance to build up on your teeth and create sticky plaque.
Having this film sit on your teeth undisturbed will eventually lead to more of your natural enamel eroding and the formation of cavities. When this happens, you’ll need to have a tooth-colored filling placed to restore the affected tooth.
Fortunately, this is avoidable if you follow the habits previously mentioned. Our dentists can also apply dental sealants if you or your child want extra protection against cavities.
Early, Largely Pain-Free Cavities Can Still Result In:
1) A Degree of Tooth Sensitivity
A very common indication that a cavity has set in is general tooth sensitivity. The sensation can range from mild to more severe and can appear both suddenly and linger for some time.
Have you taken a sip of your hot coffee or enjoyed a frozen treat only to experience a sensitive tooth? This could be a sign that enamel has already begun to wear away and the layer underneath, dentin, has been exposed. If tooth sensitivity is unusual for you, please contact our Ann Arbor dental office and our dentists can take a closer look.
2) Noticeable Holes or Pits in Teeth
No small hole, dent, or pit in your tooth is normal. If you see any of these when you look in the mirror, there’s no mistaking that you have developed tooth decay. You’ll need to contact our dentists so we can determine whether a filling or dental crown is needed.
3) Breath That Smells Bad
It’s not enjoyable to be told that your breath smells. It can be embarrassing and may cause you to retreat inward for fear of being humiliated again. Aside from eating foods that have powerful odors, bad breath may be the result of a cavity.
A lack of oral hygiene can lead to food particles remaining in between teeth, around gums, and on the tongue. There, they promote the growth of bacteria which can translate to an unpleasant smell when you open your mouth.
Our dentists strongly recommend brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. You can also try integrating a mouthwash into your routine and giving your tongue a good brush to clear away leftover bacteria.
4) New Stains or Discoloration on Teeth
A visible stain or discolored spot on a tooth could be from years of consuming certain foods or beverages. It could also mean you have a cavity forming. Generally, it’s best to keep an eye out for areas that appear bright white, brown, or black. Any of these could indicate decay.
When a cavity is new, a spot is more likely to show up as white. As the decay worsens, however, it will turn a darker shade. If you notice anything out of the ordinary with regards to the appearance of your tooth’s surface, please contact our office.
Give Our Office a Call
Our dentists in Ann Arbor, MI, advise you to never ignore signs of a cavity. Just because it’s not causing you much discomfort does not mean it isn’t something that needs to be addressed. Call Excel Dental today at (734) 929-9999 to request an appointment.