As hard as the enamel in your teeth may seem to be, it can decay, most often because of plaque buildup, dietary options, and weak oral health habits. Cavities are areas of decay in your tooth enamel, and no matter what you try, you can’t reverse this damage.
It’s time for a visit to Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry in Redmond and Bellevue, Washington, for a dental exam, X-rays, and, if necessary, fillings to repair the damage caused by decay.
How do you know it’s time to contact us? Maintain a schedule of twice-a-year checkups, and you may never need to, but here are five early cavity signs you should never ignore, just in case.
Some people naturally have sensitivity to hot and cold beverages, but if you don’t usually and the sensation starts suddenly, it might be due to the onset of tooth decay. Temperature sensitivity is the most common sign of enamel erosion, and your teeth can also be sensitive to acidic, sour, or sweet things.
Sometimes, the pressure of brushing your teeth may trigger tooth sensitivity. Any change, even if the sensations aren’t painful, should be checked out by our team.
Similarly, the pressure of biting or chewing shouldn’t cause discomfort or pain. When a tooth starts to hurt under such conditions, it may be a sign that decay is penetrating the tooth or irritating the surrounding tissue. You may notice problems even when you’re not eating, but simply biting down or pressing on your teeth.
Chalky white spots on your teeth may be a sign of mineral loss in the tooth, an early indication of problems. Brown or black staining may indicate more advanced decay. Sometimes these may be stains for reasons unrelated to decay, so check with us at the first sign of trouble.
Bacteria create odors when they proliferate, breaking down food debris in your mouth. This type of bad breath may not improve with mouthwash, brushing, or flossing. Cavities can serve as havens for bacterial growth. Persistent bad breath or sour tastes are signs of decay; check it out as soon as you notice the problem.
Sometimes, it’s possible to see erosion of tooth enamel as a cavity, but it’s not always easy to spot in a typical bathroom mirror. While you can’t rely on visual inspection to protect against all cavities, any damage you can see is a reason for a dental evaluation.
Contact Redmond Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry at the first sign of potential cavities. Early detection leads to easier and more successful treatment. Call or click to schedule your next visit now.
