Was your last coffee break interrupted by unexpected and extremely uncomfortable dental pain? Did your attempt to enjoy a celebratory first-day-of-school ice cream cone with your kids, end in wincing due to dental sensitivity? If so, you could be struggling with a dental cavity. Many people don’t realize just how prevalent cavities are in America. Some studies indicate that as many as 89 percent of adults, over the age of 30, will suffer from dental decay each year in the United States. Fortunately, if you do discover that you are one of the millions of Americans suffering from a cavity, there is hope. A dental filling could likely help restore your smile, and your comfort, so you can get back to more important things than worrying about your smile, like enjoying your sweet life!
Dental Discomfort Is One Warning Sign of Decay
Heightened sensitivity, and especially dental discomfort, is one common warning sign of the dental decay characteristic of a cavity. This is caused when the enamel has been eroded away, exposing the layer of tooth beneath it, known as the dentin. Because the dentin is more sensitive than the enamel, many patients cite sensitivity or discomfort as the earliest symptoms that they require restorative dental treatment.
Know the Others, to Protect Your Smile
Other warning signs do exist, though, such as noticeable discoloration. This could include white patches, which might indicate areas where the enamel has been eroded, or grey or black patches or lines, which could also indicate a cavity has developed.
