Bacteria is always inside our mouths. Although, when it comes to the mouth being filled with harmful bacteria, it can damage your tooth enamel. There are many changes you can make to your lifestyle to reduce the level of harmful bacteria in the mouth. If harmful bacteria continue to penetrate, this can cause dental plaque to build in the mouth and is the first sign that a cavity can form, requiring emergency treatment.
Reducing harmful bacteria is important to avoid your teeth becoming decayed. Lifestyle changes in your oral routine such as keeping an eye on your food and drink in taking and making sure you brush and floss your teeth twice a day will help.
So, what are the signs of a cavity? Understanding this when it happens will help you take the right precautions to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Tooth Sensitivity
There are many different causes of toothache, but it can also indicate a sign of a cavity. When you experience pain in the mouth when eating, the pain may throb regularly. The pain may last between one or two days, but longer if the case is severe.
Pain When Eating Hot And Cold Foods
When consuming hot and cold foods, yet you continue to experience some sort of pain, it is a sign of a cavity forming. The sensitivity occurs where the nerve stimulates, causing the dentin to become exposed as the enamel is weak. This is why keeping your enamel strong is essential so the shade on your teeth doesn’t degrade as it is a sign that the dentin is exposed. Therefore, bacteria can easily penetrate.
Plaque Owing To Poor Oral Hygiene
When dental plaque builds around the teeth, it is a sign that you’re not looking after your teeth and gums properly. This means a lack of brushing and flossing your teeth, not keeping your mouth clean, and consuming lots of sugar. The chances of a cavity will begin to escalate, and plaque around the tooth is a key sign.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth Grinding is a condition where the upper and lower teeth grind together naturally during sleep or when under stress. This can cause wear-and-tear on your teeth. The enamel can become exposed when this happens and will also expose your teeth to a cavity.
White Spots
Do you see a white spot lesion? If so, it is a sign of a cavity and is more common for those individuals with braces. Spots are chalky white on the tooth and if it gets worse, a cavity will appear.
What Should I Do If I Have A Cavity?
If you have concerns about a cavity, and you believe you’re showing one or more of these signs, it is time to make an appointment with the dentist. It is recommended that you avoid taking the risk of managing your toothache on your own and taking short-term pain relief medication. This hides the problem which may progressively get worse.
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