A cavity is one of those “bad” words that you just don’t want to utter at the dentist’s office. But you may have to if you are not careful with the delicate enamel of your teeth. Over time, it is very common for your everyday lifestyle to take a toll on strong, white, and healthy teeth. In fact, you could have a cavity right now – and not even know it! What should you do? Well, never fear. Just follow this simple guide to detecting a cavity.
What does having a cavity feel like? And how do you know if you have a cavity? Here is how to tell:
How to know if you have a cavity is the first step in reducing the impact of this type of tooth decay on your overall dental health. When they form, it is usually due to regular wear and tear from acidity, sugar or a loss of minerals. Regardless of how the tooth decay occurs, it can be prevented, stopped or even reversed at any point. However, when you attempt to reverse the damage caused by tooth decay (cavities) it is vital that you talk to your dentist.
You see, the tooth decay process is continual, meaning there could be a number of points to address:
Over time, making small changes can result in BIG changes at the dentist’s office. If enough essential minerals are lost through diet, your tooth enamel can weaken and thus become even more susceptible to cavity formation. This is the most common reason people seek the help of their dentist in order to heal a cavity. Just remember: tooth decay can also be prevented by avoiding sugary foods and beverages, acidic foods as well as improper dental care. So, always follow the recommendations of your dentist.
In addition to the suggestions, your dentist makes, you can also use these DIY tips to heal a cavity at home.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes that once tooth enamel is fully decayed, only a professional dentist can repair the damage. So, never assume that these at-home remedies are a final solution for a cavity. Do your best to prevent them and reach out to us at Gables Sedation and Family Dentistry if you are uncertain about how to tell if you have a cavity.