Brushing and flossing twice daily can be a simple and effective way to prevent many common oral issues, such as cavities and gum disease. But unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop a problem.
For example, you might develop decay in places that are hard to see or clean at home, such as between your teeth or behind your molars. Then, you might not know you have a problem until it progresses. Continue reading to learn more about common signs that you might have hidden cavities, so you know when to contact your dentist!
What Causes Cavities?
You likely are already aware that reducing sugar consumption and keeping up with a consistent oral hygiene routine can help avoid tooth decay, but do you know why? Your mouth is home to billions of bacteria representing hundreds of different species, and while some of these are beneficial for certain functions, like digestion, others can be harmful.
Cavities occur when unhealthy germs in your mouth overpower the good ones and begin to thrive. As they do, they produce acids and foul-smelling compounds that can erode your enamel and cause chronic bad breath.
How do I Know If I Have a Cavity Between My Teeth?
It’s easy to assume your mouth is healthy if you don’t see obvious areas of concern, but interproximal tooth decay between two teeth can be difficult to detect on your own at home. Some potential signs that you might have a hidden cavity can include:
- Sensitivity or pain, especially when eating anything overly hot, cold, spicy, sweet, or acidic.
- A chronic or persistent toothache.
- Darkened enamel.
- Halitosis, or bad breath.
- Floss that frays when cleaning the affected tooth.
- Visible pits or small holes.
Tooth decay doesn’t fix itself, so if you’ve noticed one or more of these symptoms but are uncertain whether you have an issue, it’s best to contact your dentist for an examination sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to develop progressing damage, decay, or disease.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay?
Thankfully, there are several proactive ways to help prevent tooth decay, including:
- Brushing and flossing your teeth and gums every morning and night to remove plaque and bacterial buildup.
- Minimizing your consumption of sugary or acidic foods.
- Incorporating more dairy or products fortified with calcium into your diet to support strong teeth and bones.
- Visiting your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
- Getting annual dental X-rays to identify hidden problems.
If you suspect you have cavities, it’s time to make an appointment with your provider!
About the Practice
At Skyline Dental of Morristown, patients benefit from two dentists dedicated to improving their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Henkin and Dr. Xholi collaborate to provide a full range of services, including tooth-colored fillings, to meet your needs under one roof. Their friendly approach is paired with state-of-the-art technology to deliver comfortable, accurate results meant to last. If you’re concerned about tooth decay, you can request an appointment on the website or call (862) 260-4116.