In addition to good dental hygiene and regular checkups, knowing how to spot a dental problem early can be extremely helpful when in preventing toothaches or the need for a root canal. Trouble is, catching the signs of a cavity can be a little tricky, especially since they usually don’t cause any symptoms that you can feel and there are a variety of types and appearances. There are three major kinds of cavities:
Pit and Fissure Cavities
These cavities appear on the chewing surfaces of teeth and are more common on back teeth (i.e. molars). Bits of food and the resulting plaque can easily get stuck in the peaks and valleys on your teeth. If you don’t have good oral hygiene habits this debris stays there and acts as fuel for bacteria, which eventually eat through your tooth’s enamel. These cavities can be any color but often look like holes accompanied by a chalky with material or a black spot.
Smooth Surface Cavities
These cavities appear on the smooth outside surfaces of teeth, usually on the sides of the mouth (rather than the back or the front). Cavities on the smooth surfaces of your teeth are rarer than pit and fissure cavities because, unlike the chewing surfaces of teeth, the sides are easier to clean and harder for the bacteria that causes tooth decay to hide in. These cavities often appear as small holes or tiny brown spots.
Root Cavities
The root of a tooth is the part that is below your gum line. In people with receding gums, this part of the tooth becomes exposed, which is problematic because the root doesn’t have the outer hard enamel surface that offers more resistance to tooth decay. These cavities usually appear as dark brown or yellow areas just above the gum line.
What to Do
Of course, if you ever notice something new or unusual happening to any of your teeth, whether it’s a visual sign or a physical symptom, please call us! It doesn’t have to match the descriptions above to be a big problem. While we know how to relieve a toothache quickly and will make ourselves available in a hurry, we’d much rather hear from you sooner than later! Most dental problems do not get better if you just “wait and see”!
Appointments Before & After Work or School & on Saturdays & Sundays!
Request Online or Call Today!
Related Posts
You Might Be Using Too Much Toothpaste
We’ve all seen those commercials & ads that show a toothbrush with a generous swoosh of toothpaste. While that imagery is very satisfying, in reality that’s way more toothpaste than anyone needs.
How Much Are Your Teeth Worth?
It’s easy to take your teeth for granted. But if you neglect them, they can end up costing a lot. Let’s take a look at what teeth might be worth from a couple different perspectives & you might just see that there’s immense value in taking the time to care for them regularly.
Everyday Habits You Can Adjust to Improve Your Oral Health
Some of the most important things you can do to maintain your oral health are to brush & floss your teeth & visit the dentist twice a year. But there are lots of ways you can change your everyday habits that will also improve your oral health!