Why you should report cavities to your dentist in Widnes

Cavities are a widespread problem in the dental world. They are one of the most common dental health problems to occur in the world and can affect people of all ages. Majority of cases are easily preventable but when cavities are left untreated, they can lead to detrimental dental problems such as tooth loss. Fortunately, cavities can be avoided by limiting your intake of sugary foods and drinks, regularly visiting your dentist in Widnes and by maintaining good oral hygiene.

What are cavities?

Cavities are small holes that develop on the surface of your teeth in areas that are permanently damaged. Cavities appear when the bacteria in your mouth comes into contact with sugar and starch particles to produce harmful acids which slowly destroy the enamel of your teeth and expose the dentine that lies underneath it.

Cavities can be caused by a multiplicity of factors; the most significant cause of cavities is an accumulation of bacteria in your mouth that comes into contact with sugar and starch particles from the food and drinks you consume, to form harmful acids that gradually erode the tough outer layer of your teeth known as the enamel. Another contributing factor involves poor oral hygiene; by not thoroughly brushing your teeth or having regular check-ups with your dentist in Widnes, you increase your risk of developing cavities as your teeth cannot undergo thorough cleans or checks. Some other causes of cavities include frequent snacking, a diet rich in sugars and starch and smoking tobacco products.

What are the symptoms of cavities?

Cavities can arise at any age, so it is essential that you pay attention to any possible signs or symptoms of a cavity forming. If you think that you may be developing a cavity, contact your dentist in Widnes straight away so they can address the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your teeth. Most people do not notice cavities that occur on the exterior surface of the enamel as they do not present any symptoms; this can discreetly cause substantial damage to your teeth which is why at Widnes Dental Practice we highly recommend keeping up to date with your dental appointments as your dentist will be able to detect any early signs that you may miss.

Signs and symptoms that may indicate you have a cavity include abrupt pain in your teeth that is long-lasting and recurring, significantly bad breath that does not resolve through brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth, bleeding or inflamed gums, yellow teeth, swelling of the face and sensitivity in your teeth. If your cavities have gone unnoticed, your dentist may even notice little holes in your teeth.

How are cavities treated?

Cavities can be painful, so the first step is to manage the pain; this can be achieved by taking over-the-counter painkillers and NSAIDs to address the pain and inflammation. If your cavity is in the more advanced stages, you may require professional dental treatment; in order to treat a cavity professionally, the dentist will need to drill the portion of your tooth that is decayed, remove it and fill the hole with a replacement filling. Alternatively, your dentist may opt to place a crown over your tooth if too much of the enamel has eroded.