February 10, 2015
Let’s talk about cavities! Our doctor diagnosed a cavity last week and the patientsaid: “I know I have a cavity but it doesn’t hurt so I think I will wait to fix it until it does”.
Have you ever wondered why tooth decay doesn’t hurt?
Most dental problems don’t have any symptoms until they reach more advanced stages. Enamel, the white outer coating of the tooth, is the strongest substance in the human body. It does not have a blood supply. Beyond the enamel layer is Dentin. Dentin is a porous layer that leads to the nerve center of the tooth. As decay moves into the dentin layer and closer to the nerves of the tooth symptoms will start to become more frequent. Repairing a tooth is not longer inexpensive or simple by the time a patient experiences a tooth ache or pain. That’s why your dentist recommends not waiting for things to hurt! It is best to get a thorough dental exam, diagnose, and treat problems early.
Here are a few symptoms of decay:
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids.
• Sharp pain when biting down on food
• Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods and liquids.
• Dull ache and pressure in the upper teeth and sinus area of one or both sides
• Acute and constant pain from an area, but difficult to say exactly which tooth is causing the problem
• Constant severe pain, pressure, swelling of the gum, and/or sensitivity to touch
We suggest not waiting until it’s too late or too expensive to repair a tooth.
Until next time,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring!