Are You Afraid You Have a Cavity? Answering These Four Questions Can Help You Answer That Question
It is likely no surprise to learn that the best thing to do if you think you might have a cavity is to make an appointment with a California dentist. However, we know that you might want to know what the chances are while you are waiting to visit our offices. Here are four questions you can ask yourself to determine if you likely have a cavity. Remember to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to book an appointment.
- Do You Have a Painful Tooth?
- Are You Not Brushing or Flossing as Well as You Could?
- Does the Tooth Look Abnormal?
- Do You Notice Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Temperatures?
One of the first and most universal signs of a cavity is pain in the tooth. While there can be many other reasons a person is experiencing a toothache, it is also true that in most situations, if a person has a cavity, they will also have a toothache. While it is uncomfortable, it is actually your teeth and gums telling you that something is wrong and needs to be addressed.
You could brush twice daily and floss nightly, yet still get a cavity. That said, it is very uncommon. What is much more common is a person who does not follow a perfect at-home oral health care routine getting a cavity. The less often you brush, the more likely it is that a painful tooth is indicating that you have a cavity.
Depending on how advanced the cavity is, it might be discolored. In some cases, it might have developed black spots. Sometimes cavities cause little holes or gaps in teeth. That said, remember that a cavity can develop between your teeth – just because you do not see anything strange does not mean that you do not have a cavity.
Besides pain, the most common sign of a cavity is pain when you drink or eat something hot or cold. Once again, there are other potential causes for this, such as gum infections, but the most common is a cavity.
Call a Dentist if You Are Worried You Have a Cavity
If you believe that you likely have a cavity, then your next move should be to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment with a local dentist. During our exam and cleaning, we can determine if you do have a cavity and how it can best be treated. Remember that this is an issue that is not going to go away on its own – in fact, it will only get worse. Do not wait to call.
