Cavities and sensitive teeth will happen.
Identifying the issue early is key.
You brush. You floss. You limit your sugar intake. But one day you drink something too cold, eat something too hot or open your mouth to yawn or sneeze allowing cold air to blow past a certain tooth and you have a bit of discomfort or even full-blown pain. You, my friend, might just have a cavity.
Treating Cavities at Ellis Dental
- As mentioned above, if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive to temperature change this could be caused by gum recession, a cracked or chipped tooth or dentin exposure; but in many cases a cavity is the culprit.
- While at lunch enjoying your tuna sandwich, you take a bite, start to chew and OUCH! If a tooth causes pain while eating, chances are pretty good it’s a cavity.
- For dessert you opt for the chocolate cake piled high with rich sugary icing. The icing hits a certain tooth and you get a tingling much like when your hand or foot falls asleep. Yup, probably a cavity. Foods with high sugar content can set off a weird tingling sensation in a compromised tooth.
- Pick up one of those cool dental mirrors at the drugstore and take a look at the tooth. Many times you can actually see a small hole or dark spot where the cavity has formed. On occasion you won’t even need the mirror because the entire tooth has become darker.
- These two symptoms are less common but may still be signs of a cavity. Food particles may become lodged inside a cavity hole and begin to decay causing halitosis. If you suddenly begin to see blood on your toothbrush and/or around a particular tooth, make plans to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Concerned you may have a cavity? Please call Ellis Dental today at 314.965.1334 to schedule an appointment. You can learn more about sensitive teeth and their cause from our friends at Pearly Whytes here.