When it comes to oral health, it is always better to use a “preventive” approach, rather than fight a painful problem later on. This means going to the dentist at least once every six months, and becoming best friends with your toothbrush, floss, and mouthwash. But sometimes you simply can’t stop a problem from rearing its ugly head. And in this particular case, you should be looking for the early signs of a cavity. Because the quicker you realize something’s wrong, the easier it will be to deal with the problem.  If you want to learn more about preventing cavities the click here.

But what exactly should you be looking for? If you don’t really know what the early signs entail, here are some common occurrences you can use to stay on top of the cavity. The Mayo Clinic can back up my thought here.

1. Does Your Tooth Feel Overly Sensitive?

A sensitive tooth doesn’t necessarily mean a cavity is forming, but it does tell you something is wrong. And the odds of it being a cavity are great. So, if you drink or you eat something, and you feel one specific tooth reacting more sensitive than usual, it can possibly be the early sign of a cavity.

2. Are There Any Holes Or Chips?

Take a mirror and start investigating your pearly whites. One by one, check to see if you notice any irregular chips or holes that weren’t there before. Even though it might not be painful or sensitive now, the chip or hole will eventually get bigger and turn into a cavity.

3. Is It Painful?

This is one of the more obvious early signs of a cavity, especially when you bite down on the problem tooth. And while the pain might not be unbearable right now, chances are it will increase if left untreated.

4. Dark Stains

For heavy smokers and coffee drinkers, stained teeth aren’t exactly something new. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be paying attention because the early sign of a cavity can also come in the form of a dark stain. This is also why dentists recommend getting your teeth cleaned often enough so that if a stain appears, you’ll notice it almost immediately.

5. Get Some X-Rays

If you are not sure whether you are dealing with a cavity, or you just want to reinforce the confidence you have in your teeth, you can use x-rays. Sometimes the cavity can develop in a place that’s not visible to you, but it can’t hide from an x-ray and a good dentist.

Listerine has some thoughts on preventing a cavity.  So if you don’t believe me then check out Listerine

A Final Thought

The great news is that dentistry has come a very long way in terms of technique and technology. This combination pretty much ensures you won’t feel any pain or discomfort, and it won’t take more than 10 or 15 minutes to get that cavity under control.

But, as mentioned earlier, if you can prevent the problem by exercising healthy oral habits and routines, you shouldn’t have regular problems with cavities. Instead, you’ll be too busy smiling with your healthy and happy pearly whites.