Our mouths are full of bacteria, some good and some harmful. The balance of bacteria ultimately depends on your oral routine. If harmful bacteria continue to flourish inside your mouth, dental plaque will begin to build, and this is the first step towards dental cavity forming.
In order to reduce the level of bacteria, a strong oral routine doesn’t simply consist of brushing and flossing your teeth, you must also consider the foods you eat. For example, you’re further risking cavities forming if you eat a fad diet comprising of high sugars, such as ice cream, candy and sodas. Children are more at risk if you feed them, sweeteners regularly.
How Does A Cavity Form?
Once the dental plaque begins to build, the bacteria combine with sugar to develop acid. When acid attacks your mouth, it causes harm to your enamel and damages the surface of your tooth, causing a tiny opening (hole) known as a cavity.
Exposure to carbohydrates as well as sugars can also contribute. Gum disease and tooth fillings can also become brittle, and bacteria penetrate inside of your gums, causing decay and cavities.
What Are The Signs Of A Cavity?
Being aware of the cavity signs can go a long way in preventing them. Let’s take a look at the signs of a cavity:
Toothache
There are many reasons for a toothache, but it is likely to indicate a cavity is formed or has formed. Toothache can come and go in waves as either a light, comforting pain or throbbing pain. You may consider taking pain relief for light toothache, but it is important that you consult the dentist to determine the underlying problem.
Hot And Cold Sensitivity When Eating
Tooth sensitivity becomes apparent if you experience discomfort when you eat hot and cold foods and consume them. Tooth sensitivity occurs when your enamel is weak, causing nerve pain. That is why keeping your enamel strong is vitally important, as it protects your smile from harm.
A Weak Oral Routine
As mentioned before, an oral routine isn’t just about brushing and flossing (which is still equally important), but it is all about how you keep your mouth clean. This involves brushing and flossing, but also means consuming tongue scraping, eliminating a diet comprising of sugar and carbohydrates and replacing it with calcium-rich foods that protect and strengthen your enamel.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding is a condition that typically occurs during sleep or indicates signs of stress. Your upper and lower teeth grinding together to wear down your enamel. This increases the risk of a cavity forming.
Chalky White Spots
When chalky white spots appear at the surface of the tooth, this is an indication of a cavity forming. A hole will become apparent when you open your mouth. Eating too many sugary and acidic foods is a common culprit of this.
Cavities can develop into tooth decay. This means that when a hole forms, bacteria may continue to penetrate and cause other conditions such as gum disease. If you have a dental crown, you might be interested to know whether it can cause cavities.
If you’re having concerns about a possible cavity, contact us here and check yourself in with us.
