Ideally, prevention is crucial to your dental health, but even with a constant health regimen, regular checkups, brushing, and flossing, our teeth can become susceptible to damage over time. Cavities are one of the most common ways our teeth can become damaged, and thankfully, if cavity detection happens early on, one of the most simple to treat.
What Causes Cavities
Our teeth are one of the strongest systems of organs in the human body. Each tooth is comprised of many parts, which function to keep each tooth healthy and to function throughout your life. The tooth is anchored to the bone in your jaw by a root. The root is a softer material that houses nerves and blood vessels, which supply nutrients to the pulp interior of the tooth. The pulp is surrounded by dentine, which is like a sort of shock absorber which protects the tooth from force during chewing. The tooth’s enamel exterior protects the tooth but also serves as a surface for abrasion, cutting, and grinding that the tooth does to help process your food.
It is the enamel that is vulnerable to decay, especially from sugar. A chemical reaction occurs when sugar in foods meets the saliva in your mouth. Along with bacteria in your mouth and digestive fluids, marring or abrasions to the enamel, which can worsen over time, will become more significant, leaving the dentin and even the pulp of your tooth exposed.
This exposure often results in pain, sensitivity to temperature changes inside your mouth, sensitivity to acidity in food, and even particles such as hard seeds or grains. Cavities can lead to tooth decay and damage to the roots and gums over time. If left unchecked, this may result in tooth loss, breakage, bacterial infections, or abscesses.
Cavity Detection
Through regular checkups, especially with the use of X-rays, the condition of the teeth can be viewed by your dentist to ensure everything is in good shape. X-rays can spot shadows within the teeth, which are difficult or impossible to see on the outside. Your dentist will also inspect your teeth using a mirror to see if any visible pits or marring indicating a cavity forming in the enamel are present. They might even use a special tooth to test the sensitivity or depth of any areas they might suspect to be cavities.
Typically, patients will complain of heat or cold sensitivities, pressure sensitivity, or especially to acidic foods. In a way, just being aware of your dental health and how your teeth feel is the first indication of something not being right.
When To Call Your Dentist
If you have been experiencing pain, sensitivity, or even new rough areas on your teeth, contact us to schedule an appointment to meet with a dental health professional. Early cavity detection and treatment are vital to dental health. If cavities are caught early enough, a simple procedure to fill the hole can save the tooth and allow it to continue to do its job for years to come.