Signs and Symptoms: Identifying Cavities and Seeking Treatment in Columbia, SC

Cavities are the big bad in dentistry. From the time we’re young, we’re told to brush, floss, and take care of our teeth, all so we can avoid them. Everything we know about dental health is centered around making sure they don’t spring up.

‍But what are cavities? Why are they so bad, and how do we know when they develop?

To understand cavities, we have to understand tooth anatomy. Each tooth's outer structure is lined with a hard substance known as enamel. Beneath that is a layer known as dentin, which surrounds a cluster of nerves at the center.

Cavities are like the uninvited guests at a party – they show up without warning and overstay their welcome. They manifest as a black spot or discoloration, and they’re categorized based on how deep they are, where they are located, and whether or not they cause a patient pain.

Cavities are a serious source of concern. They can be ignored for several months, but they grow with time, spreading across the tooth, throughout the inside of the tooth, and into the root. This process is known as tooth decay. As it gets worse, cavities can even attack the jawline. The result is breakages, tooth loss, and eventually the loss of bone–the structure that keeps the teeth in place. Cavity prevention is of paramount importance. There’s a reason schoolchildren are taught to avoid them. Without basic hygiene, the jaw itself would rot.

Here at Soda City Dentistry in Columbia, South Carolina, we're delving into all things cavities. Let's begin.

How Do Cavities Form?

We hear a lot about sugar and simple carbohydrates rotting our teeth and leading to cavities, but how does that work? The process is rather simple. Our mouths are naturally filled with an ecosystem of bacteria.

These bacteria form a sticky film around the tooth, known as plaque. When they come into contact with starches, sugars, and certain types of protein, they transform into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel and burrows deep into the tooth, kicking off decay.

One of the reasons we brush is to keep this plaque from building up and forming cavities. It cleanses our mouths, refreshes them, and preserves our smiles. It’s important to stay vigilant. Brush after every meal, or plaque could easily take over. 

How Do You Know If You Have a Cavity?

It’s important to catch cavities early before they dig past the enamel and spread throughout the tooth. But that’s not always possible. When they first form, they’re completely asymptomatic, which means they’re harder to identify. There will be no pain–nothing, though there may be a small dark spot. Patients don’t usually see this because of the angle. It might be difficult for them to perform a self-inspection. 

‍Keep an eye out for pits or holes. 

Any degradation in the structure of the tooth is a sign of a cavity. Even when there is no pain, patients may feel a bump or a crack. This is a cavity that has progressed beyond the enamel. It is moving deeper, and it will continue to spread.

Halitosis, also known as bad breath, may occur at this point as well. Spouses and partners will frequently report a rotten odor, which can be quite potent. For many, this is the first sign that a cavity is progressing. 

Pain can develop as the cavity spreads. It will often start with sensitivity. Cold drinks and foods–things like ice cream, soda, or popsicles–as well as foods high in sugar, will cause a dull ache. At some point, the pain could become constant, even unbearable. When this occurs, it’s time to go to the dentist. 

Top-notch Cavity Treatment in Columbia, SC

Do you have bad breath? Are your teeth rotting? Do you have a toothache?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you may have a cavity, and it may be time to seek treatment. That treatment could take many forms. You might need a filling, a crown, or a tooth extraction. A dentist will assess your condition and determine how best to proceed. 

If you’re in the Cayce/Columbia, South Carolina area, Soda City Dentistry is your best choice. We offer professional, attentive care, drawing on a wealth of experience. Call us today at (803)-794-5430 or schedule an appointment online.