Are you concerned that you may have a cavity? If you have any of these signs and symptoms, get in touch with your Fishers, IN, dentists, Drs. Gary and Rebecca Walker of Walker Dentistry.
Common cavity signs
Brushing and flossing reduce your risk of tooth decay but can't eliminate the possibility of cavities completely. Although good oral hygiene will certainly decrease the likelihood of tooth decay, you'll probably develop a cavity at some point in your life. In fact, 92 percent of adults have had cavities, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research.
A toothache is one of the most common cavity signs. Pain in a tooth is always a warning sign, whether it's constant or comes and goes. If you have a cavity, you may also notice that your tooth tends to hurt more after you eat or drink sugary, hot or cold foods and beverages. Chewing may also increase tooth pain.
Although pain can occur with cavities, it's usually only a factor if a cavity is fairly large. When the cavity is small, you may not be aware that something's wrong unless you visit your dentist for regular checkups. Although you may not be aware that you have a cavity, the decay will show up on dental X-rays.
You may also notice a change in the appearance of a tooth if you have a cavity. A brown spot may form on the tooth, or you might see a small hole. If you notice any of these symptoms, call the Fishers dental office.
Pre-cavity signs
If you make a habit of examining your teeth weekly, you may also spot a few tooth changes that could increase your cavity risk. White patches on your tooth are signs that the enamel has become weak. Using fluoridated toothpaste or receiving a fluoride treatment from your dentist can remineralize and strengthen weak areas, preventing cavities.
Do you see any chips or cracks on your teeth? Bacteria can easily enter through these small openings and cause decay. Repairing tooth damage as soon as possible will help you avoid a painful cavity.
Don't ignore cavity symptoms. Call your dentists in Fishers, IN, Drs. Gary and Rebecca Walker of Walker Dentistry, at (317) 849-8550 to schedule your appointment.