What is a cavity? How do you spot warning signs of a cavity?
A cavity (tooth decay, caries) occurs during a destructive process that involves a tooth, bacteria, and food. When you eat, bacteria use the carbohydrates or sugars in food to nourish themselves. When they metabolize this food, the bacteria produce acid, which dissolves the enamel on your teeth.
A dentist or another dental professional should be able to find and diagnosis cavities, otherwise known as tooth decay. They use a series of tools and instruments including x-rays, lasers, microscopes, explorers, and dyes.
The American Dental Association lists these factors as common symptoms for tooth decay or cavities:
- Pain in your teeth
- Food caught between or inside your teeth
- Feeling rough edges or spots on your teeth with your tongue
- Cold, sweet, or hot sensitivity
If you have not recently seen a dentist and are experiencing these symptoms, give our office a call at (801) 224-6051 or click here.