If you have not experienced tooth decay, you might ask,”What does a cavity actually feel like?” Many Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga will inform you that the answer generally depends on the stage of the decay and what foods you eat. Some foods, like sweets, might ignite the pain of a cavity more than others.
Learn How Cavities Form
For the most part, your mouth is naturally full of bacteria. Some of that bacteria is ideally healthy; some of it can be harmful. If you eat something sugary, such as candy or potato chips, or drink a sugary beverage, most Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga will tell you that the bacteria feeds on the sugars from the substance.
It then creates acid, which is strong enough to wear away the enamel of the tooth, if not cleaned off quickly enough. In the end, a dental cavity begins to form.
At the beginning stages, a cavity can be reversed, as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states. A majority of Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga will inform you that brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride, can aid in restoring the enamel and reverse the effects of tooth decay.
Common Signs Of A Cavity
From the earliest stages, a cavity may feel like nothing. There are no nerves in your tooth’s enamel, so when the decay is at that layer, it is probably that you won’t feel a thing.
Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga say when the decay has progressed enough to reach the softer tissues in the tooth, where the dentin and nerves are, you may start to notice signs of a cavity. Your teeth may feel sensitive and you may feel some pain, especially after eating sweets foods or cold foods.
The pain may be somewhat moderate or it may be sharp and intense. Some individuals also feel pain when they bite down when they have a cavity. A majority of Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga will tell you that based on the size of the cavity, you may be able to see evidence of it. Cavities at times create visible holes in the teeth. Additionally, they might also create stains that are black, brown or white on the surface of the tooth.
Cavities and Sweets
Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga say that some foods, such as sweets, are more likely to cause pain if there is enamel erosion. Sweet foods generally tend to be sticky, so they are more likely to cling to your teeth.
The bacteria that feed on them can then create more acid, which can make its way into the cavity, irritating the nerves. Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga say that even if you don’t have a cavity, if you have sensitive teeth, you are more likely to feel more sensation if you eat sugary foods.
Seeing Your Local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist
You then may be asking yourself:”What should I do if you believe I have a cavity?” The first step is to see your local Rancho Cucamonga Dentist. Although cavities can be reversed in the early stages, by the time you are feeling discomfort or pain, only a dentist can treat them.
An x-ray will be taken to help figure out how the cavity has progressed into the tooth. Based on damage the cavity has already done, you may need a filling to fix it. If the decay is extremely severe, a professional Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga may replace the tooth with a crown or perform a root canal.
Even if you’re unsure if you have a cavity, regular professional cleaning and dental visits are important. A professional Rancho Cucamonga Dentist can apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the teeth and reverse the very early stages of decay. In addition, they can also give you tips on the best ways to brush your teeth and advise you about what foods to avoid or eat less frequently to reduce your risk for cavities.
As with a handful of conditions, in regards to cavities, many Dentist In Rancho Cucamonga would advise that you take preventative measures, which ultimately is a lot easier than treating the problem down the road.