How many appointments have you had with your dentist that have been “cavity-free?” Each time your dentist deems you “cavity-free,” you feel accomplished and proud of your dental hygiene habits. But since you’ve never had a cavity, you might not even know what it feels like to actually have one.
Believe it or not, cavities and tooth decay are more common than you may think. But just because many patients face tooth decay, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pay attention to the symptoms and try to avoid it. Learn more about cavities and tooth decay in this week’s post from your Lake Forest dentist.
What does having a cavity feel like?
The symptoms of tooth decay may be hard to notice if you’re not a trained professional, but you may be able to feel them around your mouth. Cavities could be beginning to form without you even knowing if you’re not paying attention. Every once in a while, you should move your tongue around the mouth or take a peek inside to feel any of these signs:
- Holes or pits in your teeth, especially on the back teeth.
- Brown, yellow, or black spots on the teeth.
- Dental pain when biting into something.
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold substances that you eat and drink.
Pay Attention to Developing Tooth Decay
Although tooth decay can be a sneaky oral health concern, you should be aware of how tooth decay develops and feels. Your dentist in Lake Forest can help you understand how to avoid tooth decay, cavities, and other concerns here.
Declined Oral Hygiene
Your dental decay can be catalyzed with bad oral hygiene at home. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth, your oral health can start to decline. You will feel the gritty, sticky plaque on your teeth when you leave dental bacteria on your smile too long.
Too Much Sugar in Your Diet
A sugary diet can also negatively affect your smile. One of the worst things you can do for the health of your teeth is drink and eat too much sugar. It can mix with the bacteria in your mouth, creating a toxic acid that erodes the enamel of your teeth. If you have enamel erosion, you might feel tooth sensitivity or grittiness on your teeth.
If you notice any of the painful signs and symptoms of tooth decay, it’s best to visit your dentist right away. Even if you don’t have any symptoms of tooth decay, it’s still important to visit your dentist for professional cleanings and dental exams.
About Our Office
Your dentist here at Lake Forest Smiles is here to help you reach and maintain your oral health. We’re dedicated to offering comprehensive care in one convenient location, even when you need a cavity cleaned and filled, or a whole tooth restored from decay. Learn more about how your dentist can help you today by giving us a call!