Dental cavities are decayed areas of your teeth brought on by oral bacteria accumulation. They are called cavities because they form small little holes, or actual cavities in your teeth.
They can cause only minor discomfort or excruciating pain. So how does a toothache feel? It can be difficult to pin down because the sensation can change depending on how much damage has been done.
This article will give a general overview of how a cavity feels and discuss its causes, symptoms, treatments, home remedies, and prevention.
What is a Cavity?
A cavity is a tiny hole created by tooth decay in your tooth. It happens due to oral bacteria that have accumulated and started to eat your tooth enamel.
This may result in symptoms ranging from minor discomfort to excruciating pain. Depending on the damage’s extent, cavities will need to be treated by a dentist. The sooner this happens, the better.
How Do Cavities Form?
Cavities develop when oral bacteria damage your tooth enamel. Saliva, food, drinks, and other sources can all contain this bacteria. Food and drinks high in sugar are precisely what this bacteria likes to feed on, so consuming sugar in moderation is vital.
As the bacteria accumulate, your mouth becomes more acidic, which can weaken and eventually destroy the enamel. Cavities may develop as a result over time.
What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
A cavity typically feels like a dull ache when you eat or drink something cold or sweet, and it can get worse and hurt more over time. Additionally, it may be tender.
Sharp pains that last for several seconds or longer may be brought on by a more severe cavity. The sensation of a cavity can differ from one person to the next; some people may only feel mild discomfort, while others may feel excruciating pain.
If you think you have a cavity, you must see your dentist immediately so they can accurately diagnose the issue and recommend the best course of action.
Symptoms Of a Cavity
There are many other symptoms that could point to a cavity besides discomfort. These consist of:
- intolerance to sweet foods and beverages
- Discomfort when consuming particularly hot or cold things
- visible stains or holes on the tooth
- discomfort when chewing or biting food
- gross taste in your mouth or bad breath
- Swelling on the gums around the afflicted tooth
To avoid further harm, it’s critical to visit the dentist as soon as you notice any of these symptoms.
Foods to Eat and Stay Away From to Prevent Cavities
To prevent cavities, you will want to consume a healthy, balanced diet.
When you consume foods and drinks high in fortifying minerals such as calcium, they can make your teeth stronger and therefore reduce your chances of cavities forming. Examples of healthy foods high in calcium include leafy green vegetables, nuts and seeds, and dairy such as cheese and milk.
On the contrary, you will need to stay away from eating too much sugar found in unhealthy food, drinks, and candy. This is because the bacteria present in your mouth feeds on sugar, making it more likely for cavities to form.
Prevention Of Cavities
Keeping your mouth clean is a great way to avoid cavities. This entails using mouthwash, flossing at least once per day, and brushing for at least two minutes twice daily. Regular checkups at the dentist are also necessary to identify any issues early.
Limiting your consumption of acidic or sugary foods and beverages is also crucial. Doing this can lessen the amount of bacteria in your mouth and lower your risk of getting cavities.
Dental Health Tips
Brushing at least twice every day and flossing at least once a day are necessary for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. To maintain the health of your teeth and gums, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are also crucial.
Additionally, it’s crucial to go to the dentist for routine checkups. This will enable your dentist to identify any issues early and treat them appropriately.
Treating a Cavity
When it comes to the treatment of a cavity, there are a few options available. Your dentist will recommend whichever one is needed based on the severity of your cavity.
Dental Fillings
When the cavity is still tiny in size, likely just a filling will be needed. This will simply fill the cavity hole so it no longer spreads and can heal the tooth.
Root Canal
When a cavity is larger and has been left untreated for a bit, a root canal procedure could be necessary to get rid of all decay and heal the tooth properly.
This is a more intense procedure that will involve numbing, potential local anesthesia, and then removing the pulp that’s infected from the tooth.
Tooth Extraction
Lastly, if the cavity has become very severe, a tooth extraction may be needed. If so, you and your dentist can discuss other treatments such as bridges or dental implants as well.
Visit Your Dentist at Tabor Dental Associates Now!
Quality and sophistication should not imply less relatability and personalization. At Tabor Dental Associates, we’ve built a clinic that gives patients the comprehensive, state-of-the-art care they want and deserve, along with the reliable small-town values they expect.
What may be surprising is that we accomplish all of this in a pleasant and relaxed setting. The fact that we offer high-quality dental care and have signed guitars in each patient room shows how much we care.
We have become one of the most esteemed and well-regarded dentists in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and the greater Nashville region by basing our business on professionalism, enthusiasm, expertise, and commitment. Make an appointment now to see how we combine art, science, and trust with every patient.
