Dental News

Cavity Symptoms: They’re Rarer than You Think

June 24, 2015

Visit an experienced dentist today to find and treat cavities.

Cavity Symptoms: They’re Rarer than You ThinkCavities are probably the most common dental problem human beings experience. Yet many people are misinformed about cavities.

Haven’t you ever been surprised and a little skeptical to hear the dentist tell you that you have a cavity? You were probably thinking, “If I had a cavity, I would have known about it! This dentist must be being overly cautious or else overly eager to earn a buck if he’s so excited about finding cavities that aren’t even bothering me.”

The reality of the matter is:

Most cavities do not cause any noticeable symptoms. It is only when they progress to later, more severe states of decay that you begin to notice pain or tooth sensitivity. So you should be thanking your dentist, not doubting them, when they find a cavity you were not yet aware of. Your dentist is actually saving you from future pain and other complications of unchecked tooth decay, such as infections and tooth loss.

How Do Dentists Find Cavities You Don’t Know About?

During a routine dental cleaning & exam, the dental hygienist will look closely at your teeth for any signs of lesions on the enamel, such as stains, white spots, or pits. If he or she finds anything suspicious, they will make a note for the dentist to check the area during your exam. The dentist typically probes the lesion with a pick to assess its depth. Shallow lesions in a person with good oral health and good home care habits may remineralize, meaning the decay will stop and you won’t need a filling. If x-rays are taken on the visit, these will also be examined by the dentist to help identify deep cavities needing immediate treatment.

What Are the Noticeable Symptoms of Tooth Decay?

If you do not visit the dentist regularly, you will have no one monitoring any lesions or shallow cavities that may develop. In this case, you will most likely be alerted to the fact that you have a cavity by either a toothache or by sensitivity. In rare cases, the entire tooth may become so weakened by decay that it will actually fracture before you ever experience pain.

Bottom line:

Lack of symptoms does not equal lack of cavities! Visit the dentist regularly to be sure that any spots of tooth decay receive proper monitoring and treatment.

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