Cavities are one of the most common health issues in America. They can affect young children, teenagers, and adults. There are multiple reasons cavities may occur. Bacteria that linger in your teeth from frequent snacking, drinking sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth correctly contribute to the formation of cavities. Cavities can lead to extreme toothaches, infection, or loss of the tooth. So, at the first sign of a cavity, schedule a visit with your dentist.

How do I know I have a cavity?

A cavity is also known as tooth decay. At the onset of the cavity, you may not have any symptoms. Symptoms increase as the decay gets larger and deeper in the tooth.

These are the signs of a cavity:

• Spontaneous tooth pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mild or sharp pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold
• Visible holes in your teeth
• Brown or black staining on the surface of your tooth
• Pain associated with biting down

How can I prevent a cavity?

Cavities occur over time as plaque develops on the surface of your tooth and it begins to decay.

The good news is you can easily prevent cavities from forming by including the following things in your oral care.

• Brush and floss your teeth. Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Consider brushing and flossing after meals to remove lingering food particles or sugar substances that lead to plaque.
• Use a mouth rinse. Rinse your mouth with a fluoride rinse to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums.
• Schedule dental visits. Don’t wait until you think you have a cavity to call your dentist. Scheduling regular exams and cleanings will go a long way to prevent the formation of a cavity. 
• Drink tap water. In most cities, tap water contains fluoride which aids in the prevention of tooth decay.
• Avoid frequent drinking and snacking. Foods and beverages (besides water) meet with the bacteria in your mouth to create acid that slowly destroys your tooth enamel. By sipping sugary drinks and snacking throughout the day, your teeth are under constant attack.
• Eat foods that promote healthy teeth. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables to increase the saliva flow in your mouth and drink water or unsweetened tea and coffee to help wash away food particles. Avoid sticky and sugary snacks and treats that easily get stuck in your teeth.

‘Tis the season of popcorn, desserts, flavored lattes, and peppermint candy canes. We show our love for one another by exchanging gift boxes of our favorite treats. We’re not saying you should ditch the gingerbread man for a carrot stick, but we do encourage you to be mindful of your teeth this holiday season. Take a break from the sugar and fill your mouth with items that will protect your teeth. Don’t forget to floss and brush well after holiday parties and schedule a dental appointment for the whole family. Contact Atkins and Anderson Dentistry today so that you can go confidently into the new year cavity-free!

If you’ve never had a root canal before, we know the procedure can sound intimidating. Many people believe that a root canal is one of the most invasive and painful dental procedures. However, only 17% of people who have had a root canal describe it as their most painful dental visit. A root canal is nothing to be ashamed of. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), more than 41,000 root canals are performed every day. This common procedure is extremely important in the preservation of your natural teeth. If you experience any of the symptoms below, contact Anderson & Atkins, DDS for an appointment. If you do need a root canal, the sooner we take care of the problem, the healthier your teeth and gums will be.

 

Symptoms of a Root Canal

     1. Persistent Tooth Pain

Consistent tooth pain is an alarm warning you that something is wrong. Pain in your teeth, jaw, or face should not be disregarded. If you feel a sharp pain when you eat or touch a specific tooth, you may have an infection that needs to be treated with a root canal. The pain may be instantaneous, but if it occurs regularly, or lingers throughout the day, don’t delay in making an appointment with your dentist.

     2. Temperature Sensitivity

Along with a sensitivity to biting pressure, you may notice a sharp pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold. If you wince when you take a sip of hot coffee, or struggle to eat a bowl of your favorite Blue Bell flavor, it’s time to pay attention. Pain when you consume something hot or cold typically indicates an infection or nerve damage in your tooth.

     3. Tooth Discoloration

If your tooth is discolored, you may have an infection in the pulp of your tooth. The pulp is the soft center of your tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. It reaches from the crown of your tooth to its roots. If the internal tissue of the tooth breaks down, or you experience trauma to the tooth, the roots can become damaged and the tooth begins to look gray. However, it is possible to save the tooth with a root canal.

     4. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums near a painful tooth are often caused by acidic waste products from dead pulp tissues. It may also show up as a pimple or abscess on your gum. Even if the swelling comes and goes, it is crucial to make an appointment and let your dentist determine whether or not you need a root canal.

     5. Chipped or Cracked Teeth

It is not uncommon to chip or crack a tooth while playing a contact sport, chewing on something hard, or in an accident. An injured tooth opens the door for bacteria and can lead to an infection. In some cases, an injury results in nerve damage even if the tooth doesn’t chip or crack. If you’ve experienced trauma to your tooth, your dentist may want to perform an X-Ray to determine the extent of the damage and decide the best course of action.

A root canal is a common procedure that removes bacteria and decay from your tooth, disinfects the surrounding area, fills the empty roots, and seals the tooth to prevent further decay. For a detailed explanation of a root canal, watch this video from the AAE.

Dr. Anderson and Dr. Atkins are skilled and experienced in performing a root canal procedure in the Bryan/College Station office. If you experience any of the symptoms that may require a root canal, contact Anderson & Atkins Dentistry today.