Ouch! Suddenly you're feeling a sharp pain in one of your teeth. Our dentists in Richmond know that cavities can strike even when patients are attentive to tooth and gum health. But how do you know if you have a cavity?
Our goal at Saba Road Dental Center is to help each patient feel comfortable and relaxed — regardless of the reason they’ve booked an appointment. If you fear attending the dentist or suffer from heightened oral sensitivity, we may recommend oral conscious sedation to help make your dental appointment a more comfortable, stress-free experience. With dental sedation, patients can get the treatment they need but may otherwise skip due to anxiety and fear.
Dental Cavities (Caries)
Better known as cavities, dental caries are small holes in. your teeth that are caused by tooth decay. Poor oral hygiene, frequently snacking on sweet foods and bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth can all come together to result in cavities and tooth decay.
How Do Regular Check-Ups Help to Prevent Cavities?
When cavities just start to develop, there are not typically any signs that anything is wrong with your tooth. This means that even when. you aren't experiencing any symptoms, cavities could be forming in your mouth. For this reason, regular dental checkups and cleanings play an integral role in preventing cavities.
Seeing your dentist every six months allows your dentist the chance to discover tooth decay early before the decay becomes more severe and painful symptoms develop. If cavities develop and continue to grow unchecked, they can potentially cause extensive damage to the structure of your tooth.
Signs That You May Have a Cavity
- Unusual tooth sensitivity
- Sharp pain when biting on foods
- Sudden pain or toothache without any apparent cause
- Stains on the surface of your tooth
- Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking anything cold, sweet or hot
- Holes or small pits may be visible in the teeth
Are you experiencing any symptoms listed above? Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an examination. Only a dental professional can diagnose and treat cavities.
At Saba Road Dental, we are steadfast believers in prevention over treatment when it comes to tooth decay. To keep your smile bright and healthy, brush thoroughly twice daily, floss regularly and see your dentist at least once every six months for professional cleaning and checkups.
