A sugar-filled diet and an inadequate dental hygiene routine can lead to some frightful oral health conditions – namely – cavities! These dreadful dental caries can take the fun out of snacking and smiling while also affecting your overall health.

Cavities occur as a result of bacteria in your mouth feeding on food debris and creating excessive amounts of acid. The acid this bacteria creates can penetrate the enamel of your teeth, creating holes. These holes are what we know as cavities.

According to the Mayo Clinic, cavities are often caused by a combination of factors including:

• Excessive amounts of bacteria in the mouth.
• A diet that consist of too many sugary drinks and snacks.
• Inadequate brushing and oral health routines.
• Not visiting your family dentist regularly.

Don’t let cavities ruin your gorgeous pearly whites. Your McAllen family dentists at WhiteWing Dental are here to help you identify the major signs of a cavity that you need to look out for. And remember…if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need to contact WhiteWing Dental today for an appointment. Waiting to fix your cavity can lead to much more serious health complications and costlier solutions.

5 Troubling Signs of a Cavity

1. 1. Toothache

If you have been suffering from a persistent toothache for some time now, but can’t pinpoint exactly where it’s coming from, it is likely that you are suffering from tooth decay. This is one of the most common signs of a cavity, yet it is important to recognize that toothaches can also be caused by other issues such as an injury to the tooth or a sinus infection.

If you are suffering from a constant toothache, it should be a priority to visit your family dentist to check for cavities.

1. 1. Sensitivity or Pain When You Eat

Another common symptom is experiencing increased sensitivity in your teeth when eating or drinking a food item that is cold, hot, sticky or sweet. This increased sensitivity may also be accompanied by a mild to sharp pain. This is caused by the cavity burrowing all the way down to your tooth’s root canal and nerves.

1. 1. A Visible Hole on Your Tooth

Cavities start small and can often be seen as white spots in certain areas of your tooth. However, once they have advanced further along, they can create clearly visible holes that can be seen in plain sight.

Depending on the severity of your cavity, you may have to undergo a root canal to remedy the issue.

1. 1. Stained Teeth

Your teeth can naturally change colors because of your diet and other reasons. However, a cavity may also be responsible for changing the color of a tooth. As mentioned before, cavities can first appear as white marks on a tooth. As they begin to grow and cause more damage, the color can change to brown or black.

If you have noticed any discoloration on your teeth, it is best to visit your local McAllen dentist at WhiteWing Dental to verify whether or not you have a cavity.

1. 1. Sharp Pain When Biting Down

Maybe you don’t have a constant toothache but do feel a strong spasm of pain everytime you bite down. This occurs when your tooth’s pulp has been affected and your tooth’s nerves become sensitive. Any level of pressure on the tooth can cause this pain.

Don’t let cavities ruin your gorgeous smile. Visit WhiteWing Dental today for a checkup to fix your cavity.

While these symptoms could also occur with other oral health issues, you’ll want to visit the McAllen dentists at WhiteWing Dental to get the care you need. A simple cavity can quickly evolve into something much more serious like tooth loss.

If you have been experiencing any of the previously mentioned symptoms, don’t think twice. Reach out to WhiteWing Dental today in McAllen and La Feria to make an appointment.