How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?
Posted on 06/05/2019
How Do I Know If I Have A Cavity?

Cosmetic & Pediatric Dentistry in Maplewood

At Maplewood Dental Associates, our doctors offer high-quality dental treatment for the entire family. In addition to general treatment and cosmetic dentistry services, we also provide pediatric dentistry to our young patients in the Maplewood and St. Paul area. A good dental team empowers you through both treatment and information. In order to help you play an active part in your dental health, our pediatric dentists provide some information about tooth decay and cavities.

What Are Cavities?

Everyone knows that cavities are a bad thing. But what exactly are cavities? Cavities are damage to the teeth that result from tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when plaque clings to your teeth, wearing a hole through the enamel. This tooth decay can damage both the exterior of the tooth and the interior layers.

Cavity Symptoms

Many people find themselves wondering, “How do I know if I have a cavity?” The best way to detect any tooth decay or cavities is to visit your pediatric dentist in Maplewood and St. Paul. Our dentists use the latest dental technology to locate and evaluate tooth decay that may not even be visible with the naked eye. Before you visit your dentist, however, you may notice certain symptoms that may suggest you have a cavity. Symptoms of cavities include…

  • Toothaches
  • Sensitivity to sweet food
  • Temperature sensitivity
  • Visible pits or holes in the teeth
  • Stains on the tooth
  • Pain while chewing

While these symptoms may be present for some cases of cavities, the symptoms depend on the severity and location of the tooth damage. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t just wait for your regular dental appointment--contact your Maplewood dentist as soon as possible.

Preventing Cavities

The best way to prevent cavities is through a meticulous oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing daily helps remove the food and bacteria that form plaque. You can also reduce the likelihood of cavities through a better diet; many foods and drinks (ie. soda, bread, candy) cling to your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities.

Your St. Paul dentist also plays an important role in cavity prevention. Regular teeth cleanings help remove stubborn plaque from building up, even with a consistent oral hygiene routine. Your cosmetic dentist can also provide fluoride treatments, to strengthen tooth enamel against the damaging effects of plaque.

Cavity Treatment

Because tooth decay causes holes in the tooth surface, treatment of cavities involves filling up the holes. Fillings are a common and simple dental procedure that will be conducted by your dentist. In order to best serve our patients in the Maplewood and St. Paul area, we offer multiple types of fillings for patients to choose from. For more information about how to treat cavities, speak with your Maplewood dentist at your next appointment.

Visit Your Maplewood Dentist Today

Our dental experts want to keep you smiling. Let us help by offering both quality prevention and treatment services at our Maplewood office. If you have questions about general treatment or our cosmetic dentistry services (such as teeth whitening or veneers), please contact us today. We look forward to working with you soon.

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