How To Recognize a Cavity

Most people will be afflicted by a cavity at some point in their life and it can be a real pain, literally.  It’s important to know the difference between a cavity, something less serious, or even something more serious.  Ehow.com gives some tips on how to recognize the symptoms of a cavity which is important to have to ensure continued oral health.

Tooth pain or tooth sensitivity is a major sign that something may be wrong.  By using your tongue, you can pinpoint the location of your sensitivity and by using a mirror you can see if there is any discoloration in the area indicating a problem.  If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from the area it could mean decay.  Pay close attention to whether or not the tooth hurts when food or drinks touches the sensitive area.

Once all of this information has been gathered, meet with your dentist to diagnose the problem.  If you are like millions of Americans and have a fear of the dentist you can consult with a sedation dentist to help calm nerves while performing dental exams and procedures.  Don’t put off your oral health because of fear.  It’s too important to maintain a healthy smile which can affect your overall health.