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Early signs of a cavity broken down by our dentist

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When most people are asked why they think attending a dental check-up is important, the majority will say that it prevents tooth decay and gum disease.

And this is a core part of what dental teams aim to do, as both of these conditions can result in the loss of teeth, bad breath and, of course, extensive discomfort. However, both of these conditions have symptoms that show themselves much earlier than discomfort, which can be warning signs that there is an issue.

At Wickham Dental, our dentist in Wickham is all about preventing dental decay and toothache and can advise you on how best to avoid these common issues with dental hygiene and diet. Of course, we will also be able to offer you pointers on how to spot the signs of a cavity or gum disease at home, so you can get treatment sooner, which will be less invasive.

So, with that in mind, what are the most common signs of a cavity, according to our dentist in

Wickham? Read on to find out!

Staining

Dental staining is not unusual, especially if you drink a lot of coffee or smoke cigarettes.

But persistent staining on a tooth or teeth can be an early indicator of a cavity forming, according to our dentist in Wickham. Why? Because when bacteria collects in the mouth, it forms plaque, which can look yellow in colour or even brown as it hardens into tartar. So, staining on a tooth can indicate that you have a colony of bacteria that may turn into a cavity if it is not removed by brushing or by our team.

Lingering discomfort with sugar

Most people will consume sugar throughout the day, even if it is only in fruit.

But if you notice that there is discomfort with one of your teeth after eating a piece of fruit or a biscuit, it’s possible that you may have a cavity forming. The sensitivity is due to the nerve or pulp of the tooth being exposed and reacting to the sugar, causing that pang of discomfort.

Hot and cold sensitivity

Much like the sensitivity to sugar, if you notice hot and cold sensations in your teeth, this can be a sign that there is an issue with one of the roots or pulp in your mouth being exposed, caused by a cavity. So, if you have a pang of discomfort after you take a sip of coffee, then you may need to see our team to have a filling!

A hole in the tooth

Holes in the tooth can be tough to spot, especially if they are at the back. But if you notice a small brown hole (or even a clear one) in one of your teeth, you will need to see our team promptly before it begins to burrow deeper into the tooth.

Toothache

Lingering toothache is a sign that you have a cavity, especially if it occurs spontaneously throughout the day. If you notice dental discomfort and have any of the other symptoms in this list, you will need to see our dental team promptly.