When your dentist identifies tooth decay in your mouth, whether through an x-ray or checking each tooth during a dental exam, the recommendation is always to get the problem tended to as soon as possible. This may feel inconvenient for your schedule – two trips to the dentist in the same month? – but it’s important to make the dental care happen. Here are just some of the reasons tooth decay can’t wait.
1. You might only need a little bit of work done.
A burgeoning cavity is the best time to address it. If you have the luck of being at your dentist’s office for a regular teeth cleaning and then have the problem discovered, you have set yourself up for an easy repair. New cavities can often be corrected with just a little treatment and maybe some dental bonding or a small filling. Your dentist might not even need to use the drill or numb the area. Early treatment means less invasive treatment.
2. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.
No oral health problem ever clears up on its own. A toothache, a cavity, a broken tooth – these are all problems that require your dentist’s expertise to correct. And the longer you wait to address any tooth decay, the worse the issue is likely to get.
Many cavities start outside the tooth, but they slowly and steadily work their way inside the tooth. This trajectory can lead to infections and toothache pain and oral health problems. Instead of just getting a tooth-colored filling, you may find yourself needing root canal therapy, a porcelain crown, or, in the worst circumstances, a tooth extraction.
3. Your habits could make the problem worse.
Sometimes tooth decay occurs of its own free will, attacking weak or thin tooth enamel. Sometimes the problem develops because of the habits you maintain every single day. Recognizing the difference is key to keeping your teeth healthy and free from tooth decay. But whether you know you have a cavity or not, persisting with your usual vices can only complicate the situation.
Do you drink coffee, soda, or energy drinks all day? These beverages might keep your energy up when you feel like you can’t stay awake, but they’re destroying your teeth. The same follows if you are a frequent snacker in an effort to ward off the munchies and keep your waistline in check. These practices bathe your teeth in acids and food particles all day, and if you already have a cavity they will only make it worse.
Prioritize Your Oral Health
One of the most effective ways to avoid tooth decay is to see your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and dental exam. If there are any cavities developing, they’ll be identified then and can be treated quickly. Staying away from the dentist won’t make any dental discomfort go away and it won’t prevent you from needing treatment.
If you suspect that you have a cavity, schedule an appointment at Impressions Dental in Chandler, ZA. If you are suffering from a toothache, contact us immediately for an emergency dental appointment.
