Cavities are probably the dental issue that most people are familiar with. Getting a cavity for the first time is almost seen as a rite of passage! But this does not need to be the case. With proper at home care (daily flossing and twice daily brushing) and regularly scheduled dentist appointments, you can most likely avoid these little nuisances altogether. However, sometimes life gets the better of us and these things slip. Especially in younger children, cavities are a real risk and letting them go too long without being assessed and treated can pave the way for further tooth complications down the road. While prevention is your best bet, here are some things you should know about cavities so that you can better protect your teeth:

Signs of Possible Cavities

At the very beginning stages of a cavity, you might not experience any symptoms at all. That is the main reason why it is important to get your teeth regularly cleaned by a professional hygienist and inspected by a dentist. As the cavity progresses, or if you have sensitive teeth, you may notice

Random pain near the affected tooth
Sustained toothaches
Increased tooth sensitivity
Pain when eating or drinking hot or cold foods
Pain when eating highly sweet foods
Dark spots or indentations on the tooth
Pain when you bite.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is time to see the dentist! Small cavities can be dealt with in one appointment, but if left alone the bacteria can spread to other teeth, or deeper within the tooth itself, possibly leading to more serious issues like infected root canals. While anyone can be susceptible to developing cavities, and we recommend regular check-ups for all ages, there are some risk factors involved. Here are some reasons you or your family might be more likely to develop cavities:

Frequently eating sticky foods, such as hard candy, honey, or potato chips
Sipping sugary or carbonated drinks
Late night feedings for infants can increase their risk of tooth decay.
Very young children and older adults are more at risk.
Having a dry mouth caused by certain medications decreases the amount of saliva in the mouth and increases cavity risk.
Heartburn and acid reflux
Lack of fluoride
Insufficient brushing and flossing

Function and Comfort

If any of these risk factors apply to you, or if you simply feel it is time for a cleaning, please contact Dr. Bedi and Dr. Bedi at Kingtown Dental to schedule an appointment. We understand that any dental procedure can be intimidating for some, and that is why we pride ourselves on our welcoming and above all, calming environment. We will do everything to ensure that not only are your teeth healthy, but that you have a pleasant and rewarding experience. For more information about cavity prevention, or about any of the dental services we offer, please contact us today.