Cavities are a common oral health issue that a majority of people will experience at some point in their lives. Even as an adult, you should still watch out for them, especially as they can develop between your teeth. These might be a bit harder to tell in these areas if you don’t know the signs. Here’s how you can spot decay and what your dentist can do to get you back to a problem-free smile once again.
How Can I Tell If I Have a Cavity Between My Teeth?
Oftentimes, cavities develop on the chewing parts of your teeth, but more so on your molars. That doesn’t mean they are exclusive to those areas, as they can show up on any surface of a tooth, including the tight spaces where they meet their neighbor. These can be tough to point out, but here are some signs you may have if there’s trouble brewing:
- Your floss snags against a certain tooth consistently.
- Pain when you bite and chew.
- There’s a noticeable dark spot.
- You have sensitivity when eating or drinking hot, cold, and overly sweet items.
What Should I Expect When Getting a Cavity Treated?
While decay isn’t fun to deal with, your dentist can treat it with a minor procedure if it’s caught early. They can give you a simple filling where they remove the affected structure and then put tooth-colored composite resin to fill it back in. If it’s larger and more severe, then you can consider a crown. This is like a cap that helps restore the look and function of the dental structure.
How Can I Prevent Cavities?
Although cavities can be treated without much of a hassle, it’s important that you still prevent them in the first place. Thankfully, it can be an easy feat! These are some handy tips you can follow:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes twice a day. This will clean up to 60% of your smile while strengthening your enamel, making it more resistant to decay.
- Floss every day to remove bacteria in places your toothbrush can’t reach, like between your teeth and under your gumline. This habit is the other 40% that’s missing!
- Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to ensure you get as much as you can.
- Limit sugary foods and drink water to wash away any lingering particles throughout the day.
You should also have routine checkups and cleanings with your dentist. They have the advanced training and state-of-the-art technology to catch oral health issues while they are minor. That way, you can get the prompt treatment you deserve toward a grin you don’t need to worry about.
About the Practice
At Premier Dental, you benefit from two highly trained dental specialists, Dr. Adam Jones and Dr. Giuliana Diaz Jones. We are dedicated to helping the Vero Beach community feel the best about their smiles through preventive care. By having regular visits, we can ensure that oral health issues, like cavities, are spotted early and treated with simple fillings before they become a bigger headache. If you have any of the signs of decay mentioned above, schedule an appointment or call our office at (772) 234-5353.