According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost a quarter of Americans from the ages of 20 to 64 currently live with untreated cavities. While many assume that cavities are a matter of cosmetics and, to a lesser degree, reduced functionality, the truth is, as MedicineNet.com writes, they can have a number of significant impacts on your health. If you haven’t been to your family dentist for a check-up in a while, here are three symptoms you should look for to help ensure you don’t have any cavities.
Three Signs It’s Time to Go to the Family Dental Care Center
- Chronically Bad Breath
- Sharp Pains when Eating and Drinking
- Sticky Teeth
As the Tooth Club, a well-known online resource for information about dental care, writes, if you find that no matter how much you brush your teeth, floss, and watch your diet your breath always smells terrible, that’s a great sign that you have a cavity. While it could be related to a stomach condition, you shouldn’t risk it. Contact your general dentist immediately.
As the general family dentistry professionals at Mayo Clinic point out, pain when eating or drinking, especially sweet or hot things, is a telltale sign of a fully decayed tooth. You’ll need to get it checked out right away if you want to avoid it turning into a bigger issue — namely, a root canal situation.
Any family and cosmetic dentistry professional could tell you that sticky teeth are a clear sign of terrible dental health. When you have a cavity, your tooth will soften, making it likely to stick to teeth above or below it. If this happens, don’t assume it’s just your imagination. Get to your family dental care professional straight away.
If you want to keep a beautiful, healthy smile and teeth that actually function as they’re meant to without pain, keep these symptoms of cavities in mind. While they’re no guarantee you have cavities, if you’re experiencing any of these, it’s certainly time to visit your family dental care provider. Great references here.