Maybe your tooth has been aching. Maybe your tongue is feeling something new on one of your teeth. Whatever the symptom may be, you’re probably asking yourself, is it a cavity? Well, there’s only one way to find out!
To know for sure whether or not you have a cavity, you’ll need to see your family dentist, but there are some ways to get a good idea. Keep reading to learn more about cavities, how to know if you have a cavity, and when it’s time to see your dentist!
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is permanent damage to your tooth caused by things like plaque buildup, poor dental hygiene, frequent snacking, or high-sugar diets. Cavities are tiny holes that develop in the hard surface of your teeth through tooth decay. Anyone with teeth can get cavities, no matter how young or old they are.
Cavities are among the most common dental health problems in the world, affecting more than 80% of Americans by the time they reach 35.
Symptoms of Cavities
Because it’s important to catch and treat cavities early, it’s also important to be watching for the symptoms of cavities so you know when to get treatment. The most common cavity symptoms include:
- • Toothache
- • Bleeding gums
- • Visible holes or pits
- • Tooth sensitivity
- • Pain with biting
- • Temperature sensitivity
- • Sensitivity to sugary foods
- • Bad breath
Cavities can cause quite a few unpleasant symptoms for patients, but those same symptoms can also be caused by other dental issues. To know for sure, you’ll need to see your McAllen dentist.
When It’s Time To See Your Dentist
If you think you may have a cavity, the time to see your dentist is right away. No matter how minor your symptoms may be, if you’ve been dealing with consistent unpleasant effects, it’s time to see your dentist to find out what the problem is.
Cavities get worse over time. When left without treatment, cavities get wider and deeper, continuing to decay. As this decay weakens the tooth, it becomes vulnerable to things like cracking and breaking. Even something as simple as biting into an apple could be enough to break your tooth if the decay has progressed far enough. It’s important to protect your teeth by getting care as soon as possible.
Get High-Quality Dental Care at Heroes Dental
Cavities are no joke! Leaving a cavity untreated can lead to worsening tooth decay that can even cause your teeth to crack! It’s better to catch your cavity early rather than having to get treatment for major issues later on.
If you think you have a cavity, don’t let it get worse. Come see your family dentist in McAllen to check for cavities and keep your smile shining bright!