Do I Have a Cavity?

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The bacteria in your mouth can eat away your smile. These bacteria can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other painful and harmful oral conditions. It’s important to visit Dr. Newton at the first sign of a cavity to treat the problem appropriately.

What Causes a Cavity?

Oral bacteria feed off the sugars and carbs in your mouth. The microbes produce an acid that can wear away or rot your teeth. If the decay is not treated, it could spread deeper into the tooth or infect adjacent teeth. Cavities are also contagious and spread from person to person through kissing or sharing products that go in your mouth. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood illnesses, and most children get the disease from their mothers.

What Are the Signs of a Cavity?

A cavity is the most common cause of a toothache. But many times you can’t feel tooth decay until it’s in advanced stages that require major restorations. Fortunately, Dr. Newton can spot decay in its early stages by examining your mouth and dental X-rays. Call our office immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • Tooth pain
  • Headaches
  • Ear aches
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
  • Erupting teeth
  • Impacted teeth
  • Pit or hole in your tooth
  • Soft area of your tooth
  • Dark spots on your teeth
  • Receding gums

How to Treat a Cavity

Your teeth will not heel by themselves, so you should visit Dr. Newton immediately to treat your cavity and restore your tooth. Fillings and crowns may be required for shallow cavities, while more advanced decay may require a root canal or extraction. Avoiding cavity treatment could lead to more advanced procedures or gum disease.

To prevent cavities, brush and floss your teeth daily, and visit Dr. Newton for a professional cleaning every six months. You don’t have to participate in National Toothache Day on Februray 9! Instead, you can relieve your pain by having your cavity restored. Contact Celina Family Dentistry at (214) 851-0130 to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from Celina, Prosper, Gunter, Frisco, Aubrey, Pilot Point, McKinney, and surrounding communities.