What Are Cavities?
Cavities are essentially holes in your teeth. These holes often are caused by decay from a diet high in corrosive substances, such as sugar and carbonated beverages. When these foods stay on your teeth and aren’t brushed away quickly enough, they turn into acids. These acids then eat into the enamel on your teeth, eventually causing holes.
What Does It Feel Like?
For weeks, you have tried to ignore the holes that are visible in your teeth. The dull pain when you bite down on one side of your mouth. A sharp pain if you eat or drink something too cold. If you have experienced these symptoms, chances are you may have a cavity in one or more of your teeth. But don’t worry, there’s a quick and simple solution just a phone call or visit away.
Who Gets Cavities?
Anyone with teeth can get cavities. No matter your age, if you have natural teeth, you are at risk for developing cavities if you do not practice proper oral hygiene. Some people are genetically predisposed to cavities, and they are more likely to develop them than others.
What Happens When I Have Cavities?
First, the presence of a cavity will be confirmed by an oral examination and X-ray at your dentist’s office.
To keep your cavity from getting bigger or becoming infected, it will need to be filled. Our dentist first will numb your mouth with local anesthetic. The cavity will then be cleaned out and prepared for the filling, often requiring some minor tooth shaving.
The cavity is filled with a strong white filling or silver metal filling that is then hardened. Our dentist may warn you to avoid hot or cold foods for a few hours after the filling, but you likely will be able to return to your normal eating soon afterwards.
Don’t let cavities get you down! Call Divine Dental Care today for an exam and cavity consultation!