A doctor has shared the four common signs you might have a tooth cavity and should go to the dentist.
Doctor Lavina Kumar, who is known as @drlavinakumar on social media, uses TikTok to inform and educate people about their oral hygiene.
As part of this, she has shared the easy-to-miss signs you might have a cavity and need to book a visit with your dentist as soon as possible.
In her video, she said: “If your tooth feels a little sensitive when you’re having a cold drink, you could have a cavity. If your tooth hurts, you could have a cavity.
“If you have to floss after every time you eat because food gets stuck between your teeth, you could have a cavity. If you feel like there’s a hole in your tooth, you could have a cavity.”
The NHS says experiencing toothache, a sharp pain in your tooth when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet things, and noticing white, brown or black spots on your tooth could all be signs of tooth decay.
Their website reads: “Treatment for tooth decay depends on how severe it is. A dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments like mouthwash or varnish to reverse early tooth decay.
“You’ll probably need a filling if you have a hole (cavity) in your tooth. If tooth decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the middle of your tooth, you may need root canal treatment. Sometimes the affected tooth may need to be removed (extraction).”
To prevent tooth decay, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. On top of this, you should clean in between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
Where possible, you should avoid sugar-free medicines and have regular dental check-ups.”
The statement adds: “Tooth decay happens when bacteria create a sticky layer called plaque over your teeth. This damages the surface of your teeth over time.
“Tooth decay is common in children, so it’s important to make sure they’re looking after their teeth and gums from an early age.”
