Dental decay, also referred to as cavities, are an incredibly common oral health problem that most people will need treatment for during their lives. The trick to keeping the damage to your pearly whites as minimal as possible is to catch the early signs of decay so you can receive a dental filling as soon as possible. If you leave decay untreated, it could result in much greater problems, like a tooth infection that requires a root canal and crown. Read on to learn the seven signs that you could need a dental filling.
What Exactly is Dental Decay?
Decay occurs when harmful oral bacteria release tooth-eroding waste in the form of acid, eating away at your dental structure. These bacteria love to feed off of sugars and carbohydrates, and the more they’re fueled and less they’re cleared from your mouth, the more likely it is that they’re able to cause cavities to form. Cavities can develop on the biting surface of teeth, in between teeth, around existing fillings and restorations, and even on the roots of teeth!
How Can You Tell You Need a Filling?
In its early stages, the symptoms of dental decay may not seem like a big deal, but when left untreated, those signs will become worse due to progressing deterioration of your teeth. Here are seven signs that you could need a dental filling:
- Tooth sensitivity when exposed to foods or drinks that are hot, cold, sour, or sweet.
- Floss string tearing whenever you try to floss a particular tooth.
- Previous filling or restoration is cracked, broken, or missing.
- Chipped or fractured tooth.
- Food always gets stuck between certain teeth.
- Dark spot or hole appears on a tooth, or a tooth feels rough.
- Throbbing or sharp pain whenever you chew or bite down.
As soon as you notice any of these signs, schedule a timely checkup and cleaning or emergency visit with your dentist to make sure any damage gets treated as soon as possible, preventing it from being able to spread.
Early Treatment is Ideal, Prevention is Key
While early treatment of decay is wonderful, and even better tactic to stop it from ever occurring in the first place is preventive dental care, like visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. During these appointments, not only will your dentist be looking for the early signs of decay, but the professional cleaning will also help clear away harmful bacteria that could have led to additional problems down the road. Investing in your smile may not seem like it would pay out, but it does with teeth that stay healthy for a lifetime!
About the Author
Dr. Rachel Clark is a skilled and passionate dentist who is enthusiastic about helping her patients maintain healthy smiles that they feel proud of. She is dedicated to continuing her education and regularly completes specialized courses that focus on a variety of procedures. Dr. Clark is also an active professional member of several organizations, including the American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, and more. To schedule an appointment, visit Illuminate Family Dentistry’s website or call 316-847-7730.