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Apr 10, 2025
Cavities are the most dreaded tooth problem across age groups because of the pain involved and the treatments required. Despite being a frightening issue, it is extensively common and should not be ignored. Unlike other body parts, teeth do not heal themselves. Since the enamel does not get oxygen and nutrients, it cannot participate in restoration. Thus, cavities have to be examined by an expert dentist in Hope Island to determine their severity. Minor dental caries can be treated with cleaning and dental fillings.
However, deep cavities require root canal therapy and, in worst cases, tooth extraction. These treatments are painful and expensive, and losing a natural tooth due to neglect is not ideal. Thus, it is necessary to maintain oral hygiene and identify cavities with the help of common signs. Detecting dental caries at the initial stage can help prevent their advancement and get the right treatment.
1. Sudden or Recurring Tooth Pain
Cavities are holes on the surface of the tooth caused by decaying of the enamel. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth turn food debris into acids that erode the tooth enamel. The bacteria, food particles and acids form a film over the teeth known as plaque, which damages enamel and builds holes in the teeth. If the cavity goes deeper, the pain becomes stronger and can even become unbearable if it reaches the pulp. Some people complain of slight pain, while others have to deal with a dental emergency. In any type of pain, getting your teeth examined and detecting the problem is best.
2. Stinging Due to Hot and Cold Foods
A sharp, stinging feeling when you consume hot or cold foods or beverages is known as tooth sensitivity. Cavities can cause sensitivity because they wear down enamel and expose the inner layer of the tooth. This inner layer, known as dentin, includes small tubules that are linked to the nerves of the tooth. So, when an individual consumes foods with high or low temperatures, the tubules get irritated and cause sensitivity.
3. Swollen Gums
Cavities do not stay limited to the tooth. They spread and impact surrounding teeth and gums. When dental caries are not treated on time, they attack the gums, leading to inflammation and swelling. In severe cases, the infection can create a pocket of pus known as a dental abscess. This condition can be identified by a swollen jaw, pain in the gums and teeth and soreness. If a yellow patch is visible on the gums, it is best to visit a reputed dentists in Hope Island to get the problem treated.
4. Bad Breath
Bad breath occurs when we miss brushing our teeth or maintain poor oral hygiene. However, it can also be a sign of tooth decay. The holes in the teeth are the places where bacteria reside and break down food debris left in the mouth after a meal. This produces a bad odour because of the creation of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) by the bacteria. So, it is essential to get your mouth checked when you can smell an odour despite brushing and flossing regularly.
5. Discoloured Teeth
Many people are unaware of this fact, but cavities can cause staining or discolouration of teeth. According to expert Hope Island dentists, dental caries are responsible for brown, black and white spots on teeth because of the damage. The white spots are visible in the initial stage of decay when bacteria erode the enamel and dig holes in the tooth’s surface. The dark spots appear when the cavity reaches the tooth's inner layer and cause discolouration.
6. Visible Hole on Teeth
Cavities can also be detected by overly visible holes on the tooth’s surface. These small openings can be accompanied by sensitivity and pain in the tooth. It is important to note that the most common cause of a cavity is poor brushing habits and high consumption of sugary and sticky foods and drinks. So, it is possible to develop caries even if you brush twice a day but consume a lot of chocolates, candies, bread, cakes, chips, etc. A balanced diet, along with optimum oral hygiene, is essential for mouth health.
7. Painful Bite
Cavities are hard to detect in the initial stage. However, when they start progressing, symptoms become evident. One of the common issues faced by individuals is a painful bite. It occurs when the cavity has surpassed the upper layer to reach the inner part of the tooth and cause damage. It results in a feeling of pain when biting down on crunchy foods like fresh apples, carrots, pears, etc. According to dentists Hope Island, this pain is caused due to the exposed nerves and blood vessels in the pulp of the tooth that become irritated during the bite.
Wrapping Up
Cavities are the most hated dental problem because they occur frequently and need quick treatment. Since they often go undetected in the initial stages, it is vital to visit a dentist frequently to keep your mouth healthy and disease free.
