The Truth About Cavities: Find a Dentist in Owings Mills That Can Help

Don't let cavities get the best of you. Find a dentist near you so you can stop them before they start.

The first dental filing ever recorded was in a 13,000-year-old skeleton at an ice age site in Italy. Archaeologists said that prehistoric humans had a variety of solutions to dental problems. They sealed crown fractures with beeswax and used toothpicks to relieve inflamed gums. 

The good news? We've continued to advance our dental practices to fit the 21st century. What we know today: cavities are an issue we've dealt with for ages.



Luckily for us, our solutions are more advanced than beeswax. Keep reading to learn more about the truth behind tooth decay.

What Are Cavities?

Our parents always told us that sugary foods and not brushing our teeth twice a day leads to cavities. But what exactly are they? The Mayo Clinic describes cavities as permanently damaged areas in the surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. 



They are one of the world's most common health problems. Although no one wants a tooth cavity, their commonality makes them easy to repair. You'll maintain a beautiful smile for years with the skill your Owings Mills dentist provides.

How Do You Know You Have a Cavity? 

Sometimes the only way to know you have a cavity is to go to the dentist. Your dentist might need to do some investigating by periodontal probing. Probing happens when they take measurements of your gum tissue.

They also may take an x-ray of the teeth to check and see if any cavities are developing. If a cavity is more advanced you might spot it on your own.

You might be thinking: what does a cavity look like? They normally show up as discolored spots on your tooth.

This discoloration comes in many forms. A cavity can be white or fully black. A white spot shows that your tooth is losing the minerals it needs to stay strong.



What to remember: if the spot doesn't match the color of the rest of your teeth it is most likely a cavity.   

Some Common Signs You Might Have a Cavity

The signs for a dental cavity vary from person to person. We'll discuss some of the common signs so that you are aware. If you experience any of these signs, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Owings Mills as soon as possible. 

Toothache 

If your tooth is throbbing or aching it could be a sign of a developing cavity. Pay special attention to when you eat something hot, cold, or sweet. If the pain worsens, it could be a sign of a cavity. 

Sensitivity 

Sensitivity is a very common sign of a cavity. Have the weather changes affected your teeth? For example, when you are walking in the cold can you feel it deep in one of your teeth? 

When you drink something hot or cold do you find yourself wincing? This type of extreme sensitivity could point to a cavity. 

Bleeding Gums 

Keep an eye on your gums each day when you brush your teeth. Your gums tell you a lot about how your teeth are doing. If you see any redness or notice any swelling near the gumline this might mean a cavity is in your near future.

Bad Breath 

If you're experiencing persistent bad breath after you brush and floss each day it could point to having a cavity. This is also a sign of gum disease. Both should be evaluated by your dentist in Owings Mills, MD. 

How to Prevent Them

The first step to preventing tooth decay relies on you. You have to make an effort to prioritize your oral health. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss once daily.

Why fluoride? Fluoride toothpaste helps to strengthen your tooth by making the enamel stronger. The enamel is the thin outer covering of your tooth.

Strengthening your enamel makes it harder for a cavity to breakthrough. Limit your intake of sugary-type foods. If you do eat sugary foods, brush your teeth soon after if possible. 

Brushing your teeth after consuming sugary foods cleanses your teeth of bacteria. If the bacteria settles on your teeth for long periods of time this results in cavities. This is why brushing your teeth at least twice daily is extremely important. 



The second step is to find a trusted dentist in the Owings Mills, MD, area. Your dentist will spot any early signs that something is wrong and include ways you can fix it. The best prevention against tooth decay is to schedule an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year. 

What Happens If They Aren’t Treated?

In any untreated cavity, the symptoms get worse over time. Increased sensitivity, pain, and swelling are common. Any swelling left untreated will eventually lead to an infection.

This infection is known as a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a painful pocket of puss that's built up by bacteria within your mouth. These tooth abscesses will need extensive treatment.

The treatment may involve medication like antibiotics and possibly a trip to the hospital. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the inside of the tooth. Depending on the extent of the damage the tooth may need to be removed.

Having teeth removed can be a painful process. In extremely bad cases you might need a root canal. A root canal happens when the infection reaches the nerve of your tooth. 



The best approach to safeguarding your teeth is to meet with your dentist frequently. Early detection of a cavity saves you from unnecessary pain. 

The Truth About Tooth Decay

Having cavities isn't a new trend. They've been around for thousands of years. With this in mind, we understand the truth about cavities: we've all had them or will have them at some point. 



Understanding cavities is the key to optimizing your oral health. With the help of an Owings Mills dentist, your oral health is guaranteed to stay on the right track. Book an appointment with them today to receive the care you deserve.