If you’re ignoring the cracking, swelling, or bleeding of your gums, you’re not alone. There are always more important matters on our minds, right?
While you may brush off some strange gum behavior as transitory, understand that it can be a symptom of cavities.
Cavities can damage more than your smile. They can affect the overall health of your body, including your heart and kidneys. Add heart disease and kidney disease to the list of more immediate concerns people worry about.
With that, here are four signs of cavities you cannot ignore.
1. Discoloration of Teeth
Cavities, also known as dental caries, occur when teeth are exposed to excessive levels of sugar and plaque and aren’t properly cared for. The enamel of your teeth will become discolored and start to break down, allowing bacteria to cause decay.
Some of the cavity signs to look out for are discolorations, such as:
- Yellowish
- Gray
- Brown spots
- Stains
- Streaks on your teeth
- Chalky White areas
If you notice any of these signs, visit your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further decay. Additionally, to prevent cavities, brush and floss your teeth regularly and practice good oral hygiene.
2. Tooth Surface Changes
Our teeth are usually smooth and glossy, but when cavities start to form, there are changes in the tooth surface. If a cavity is left untreated, the tooth surface changes can become more significant. Those changes can include small increases in size, or the teeth may feel rougher and less shiny.
A dental exam can determine if what appears to be a cavity is actually one by using specialized instruments to measure the depth of the lesions. If a cavity is present, the dentist can treat it accordingly with fillings, crowns, and other treatments.
3. Painful Eating
Painful eating can be a sign of cavities. It occurs when bacteria-filled plaque builds up on the tooth enamel and the acidic by-products produced by the bacteria slowly eat away the enamel.
Initially, the person may not experience any pain, but as the enamel slowly erodes, the person may notice pain when eating. This is because when the enamel is gone, the dental nerves and the inner layers of the tooth are exposed. Therefore, even a slight amount of pressure or heat can be felt by the individual when eating certain food.
If the person is experiencing this type of pain, it’s important for them to visit a local dentist office and decide on the appropriate treatment. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to infection and will cause more painful eating.
4. Bad Breath
Bad breath is one of the first cavity symptoms. Cavities are caused by tooth decay, which is the result of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria produce acids forming holes or cavities. When this happens, food particles, bacteria, and decaying material can accumulate in these cavities, causing bad breath.
Your dentist can then make the appropriate treatment recommendations to both improve your breath and prevent any further tooth decay.
Watch Out for These Signs of Cavities
Overall, it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of cavities and address them as soon as they arise. Ignoring cavities can lead to serious oral problems and even more significant health issues.
If you notice any of the four signs mentioned, don’t delay – schedule an appointment with your dental care provider to avoid further damage.
If you don’t have a dental professional that you regularly visit, you can check out this dentist in Oxnard CA now.
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James Martin is a passionate writer and the founder of OnTimeMagazines & EastLifePro. He loves to write principally about technology trends. He loves to share his opinion on what’s happening in tech around the world.
