For many people, busy schedules and fear of the dentist may lead to the neglect of dental problems such as cavities. While it may seem harmless to skip your regular dental checkup or delay filling cavities, neglecting tooth decay can have serious consequences. If you suspect you have a cavity or a cavity is identified during your cleaning, you shouldn’t delay making an appointment for a filling.
Getting dental cleanings at least every 6 months and practicing healthy oral hygiene habits at home can prevent the need for more invasive dental procedures.
What Are the Risks of Ignoring a Cavity?
While every cavity is unique and may progress at different rates, the reality is that a cavity will continuously worsen the longer it is left untreated, causing more damage to your teeth and potentially spreading the infection further into your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Untreated tooth decay can lead to significant pain and discomfort. Once bacteria eat through your tooth enamel to the dentin and pulp layers, the nerves inside your tooth can become irritated or infected, resulting in:
- An intense toothache
- Jaw pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding gums
- Difficulty chewing
This pain may be so intense that it can interfere with daily tasks such as sleeping, eating, or speaking.
The long-term consequences of unmanaged tooth decay can be even more serious. Over time, an infection can spread to your other teeth and even beyond your mouth. A serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis can develop from untreated cavities, which can cause problems beyond your oral health, like an increased risk of heart disease or stroke.
The treatment for a cavity typically involves removing the decayed portion of a tooth and filling in the space with a dental filling. However, if the decay is too extensive, a root canal or tooth extraction may be necessary. The longer you wait to seek dental treatment for a cavity, the more invasive and costly the restorative treatment may become.
How Can You Tell If You Have a Cavity?
Cavities are one of the most common dental problems that people face. Unfortunately, cavities can be difficult to detect in their early stages, but there are some symptoms to watch for.
Toothaches or Sensitivity
If you have a cavity, you may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks. You might also have a toothache or pain when biting down on food. Tooth sensitivity can also be due to:
- Gum recession
- Cracked teeth
- Worn enamel
However, if tooth sensitivity is accompanied by discoloration or pain, it may be a sign of a cavity. A dental exam can help you determine the underlying cause of your sensitive teeth.
Discoloured Teeth
Another sign of cavities is the subtle discoloration of your teeth. Decay can lead to brown, black, or white spots or stains visible on your tooth’s surface. If cavities are left untreated, your tooth may eventually darken completely and require more invasive treatments.
Bad Breath or Taste
Cavities can cause foul-smelling breath and a bad taste in your mouth. When that happens, you may be tasting and exhaling the bacteria from plaque buildup and not necessarily from the cavity itself.
Visible Holes or Pits
Bigger cavities can appear as pits, fissures, or holes in teeth. You may also notice rough or uneven edges on the surface of your tooth. If these symptoms occur, seeing your dentist early is imperative to minimize the damage and avoid more extensive treatments.
X-Rays
Ultimately, one of the most reliable and accurate ways to detect cavities is through dental X-rays. X-rays can detect the presence of decay in its early stages, before it becomes visible to the naked eye. Dental checkups and cleanings that include X-rays can help us identify tooth decay in your mouth before it becomes a bigger problem—when it is still reversible.
Schedule Preventive Dental Appointments
Detecting and treating cavities early is essential to maintaining good oral health. Scheduling dental appointments every 6 months can help prevent many oral health problems and support the long-term shine of your smile.
Book a dental exam and cleaning at Rockwood Dental to learn more about how we can support your personal oral health.
