If left untreated, cavities can lead to infection, tooth loss, root canals, crowns, implants, and more. Understanding how to identify a cavity in its early stages means more time for preventative measures to protect your teeth from decay.
92 percent of adults have cavities, or small holes in the tooth enamel. If left untreated, cavities can grow, penetrating the enamel to affect the dentin that leads to infection, tooth loss, root canals, crowns, implants, and more. Knowing how to check for cavities at home enables you to take preventative measures to protect your teeth from decay, saving you from pain and expensive procedures in the future.
The Basics About Cavities
The most common culprits behind cavities are excessive sugar consumption and poor oral hygiene. When bacteria in your mouth interact with starches or sugars, they form acids that erode your teeth’s enamel. If left unchecked, the bacteria may reach your tooth’s dentin and pulp before spreading to other parts of your mouth.
The longer you wait to treat your cavity, the more damage the decay will cause. Once the decay has penetrated your enamel, you’ll likely need a filling, and if you have extensive decay, you may need a crown, root canal, or extraction.
Cavity Symptoms to Check For At Home
Knowing the signs of cavities can help you take appropriate steps to prevent them from worsening. There are no universal cavity symptoms, as they depend on a cavity’s size and location — in fact, some people may not even experience any symptoms! However, there are a few common things you can check for at home:
- Tooth Pain: Pain may vary depending on how far the decay has progressed. It might start with sensitivity when biting hard foods and progress to pain while chewing soft foods or even constant discomfort.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Tingling or tickling when consuming hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and drinks can be an early sign of enamel erosion.
- Holes: Visible pits or holes in your teeth are often a sign of decay and usually require professional treatment like fillings or root canals.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath may be a sign that decay has penetrated your enamel and needs attention.
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums: While often linked to gum disease, this symptom can also point to cavities or even abscesses.
- Discoloration: Gray, brown, black, or chalky white spots could indicate demineralization or more advanced stages of tooth decay.
- A Chipped Tooth: A tooth weakened by a cavity is more likely to chip or break, potentially accelerating decay.
Preventing and Treating Cavities At Home
Once you know the signs of a cavity, you can take steps to stop the spread of decay. There are even preventative measures you can take to protect your teeth from cavities. Try these strategies:
- Chewing Sugar-Free Gum: Look for gum with xylitol or CPP-ACP to stimulate saliva and reduce harmful bacteria.
- Brushing With Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride can remove tartar, reduce plaque, and help remineralize enamel.
- Flossing: Daily flossing removes plaque and food particles from areas a toothbrush can't reach.
- Increasing Vitamin D: Supports the enamel’s ability to absorb calcium and phosphate, aiding remineralization.
- Oil Pulling: Swishing sesame or coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes may reduce plaque and gingivitis.
- Changing Your Diet: Limit sugar intake to under 10% of your daily calories and reduce snacking to allow time for remineralization.
Visit A Dental Professional Today
Brushing, flossing, oil pulling, and chewing sugar-free gum won’t completely protect you from cavities. It’s still important to visit a dentist who can thoroughly clean your teeth, apply professional fluoride treatments, and catch early signs of tooth decay.
If you’ve noticed any warning signs of a cavity—or just want to stay ahead of your oral health—schedule an appointment at Espire Dental today. We’re here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
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