Posted .

You know that cavities are bad news, but did you know that it can be difficult to detect a cavity while it’s forming? And while you could know that having a cavity is a problem, did you know that not treating a cavity could lead to a wide array of problems.

Sadly, a cavity is simply another name for tooth decay. In other words, a cavity is literally a hole in your smile. This can be especially problematic because having a cavity makes the center of your tooth more vulnerable to bad bacteria. This can lead to the need for root canal therapy. In fact, if root canal therapy is put off, you could ultimately lose your tooth.

Fortunately, if you treat your cavity quickly you can prevent this problem. Unfortunately, stopping a cavity can’t be done without a dentist’s help. Please don’t misunderstand, brushing and flossing can help prevent cavities but not prevent them. Still, there are a few ways you can identify a cavity before it becomes a serious problem. You see, cavities generally form near the back of your teeth where they can be difficult to spot. Still, if you experience sudden sensitivity, pain, or visible brown or black spots, a cavity could be forming.

Please remember: brushing and flossing daily will help you avoid these problems. You should also visit our dentist, Dr. Melissa Ravago twice a year for a routine cleaning and checkup. We’ll happily inspect your smile for teeth at risk of decay and look for other problems. If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact Ravago Dental at 505.292.6414 . We look forward to hearing from you soon.