Seven things that can happen if you have a dental cavity

Dental cavities, also known as caries or tooth decay, are damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and not cleaning your teeth well. Here are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a dental cavity:

1. Toothache: Spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause.

2. Tooth Sensitivity: Mild to sharp pain when teeth are exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks.

3. Visible Holes or Pits in Your Teeth: These may be small and dark in appearance.

4. Pain When You Bite Down: This can indicate decay has reached the dentin, where nerves are more sensitive.

5. Staining on the Surface of a Tooth: Stains can appear as black, white, or brown spots and can signify decay.

6. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth: Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste could be a sign that cavities are present.

7. Swelling or Abscess: In advanced cases, swelling of the gum near a sore tooth or a visible abscess might occur.

It's important to note that in the early stages, cavities may have no symptoms at all, and only a dental professional can detect them. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and treatment of cavities before they develop into more serious issues. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's advisable to visit a dentist for a thorough examination and appropriate treatment.

Different types of Mouth Guards

Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and gums in various situations, like sports or to address teeth grinding. There are three primary types of mouthguards:

1. Stock Mouthguards:

- Description: Pre-formed and ready to wear. Available at most sporting goods stores.

- Pros: Inexpensive, readily available.

- Cons: Bulky, limited sizes, can make breathing and talking difficult, offer minimal protection due to poor fit.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards:

- Description: Made of thermoplastic material. Softened in boiling water and then placed in the mouth to form around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.

- Pros: More affordable, better fit than stock mouthguards, relatively easy to obtain and mold.

- Cons: Can become uneven if not fitted correctly, may not offer as much protection as a custom-fitted option.

3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards:

- Description: Made by a dental professional from a mold of your teeth.

- Pros: Superior fit, comfort, and protection. Less bulky, doesn’t interfere with speech or breathing, durable.

- Cons: More expensive, requires a visit to a dental professional.

Why Professional Mouthguards are the Best and Safest Option:

- Custom Fit: They are specifically tailored to fit the exact contours of your teeth and gums, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit. This reduces the risk of the mouthguard being dislodged and provides better protection.

- Maximum Protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection against dental injuries. They absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively than over-the-counter options.

- Material Quality: They are made from high-quality materials under professional supervision, making them more durable and long-lasting.

- Comfort and Ease of Use: Because of the precise fit, they are usually more comfortable to wear and don’t interfere with breathing or speaking, which is crucial during sports or other activities.

- Specialised Design: Dental professionals can design these mouthguards taking into account specific sports or requirements (like braces), offering tailored protection.

- Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness: Though more expensive initially, their durability and effectiveness in preventing dental injuries can make them more cost-effective in the long run.

For individuals engaged in contact sports or those who suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), a professional mouthguard is a worthwhile investment for its superior comfort, fit, and protection.

Different types of mouth guards

Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and gums in various situations, like sports or to address teeth grinding. There are three primary types of mouthguards:

1. Stock Mouthguards:

- Description: Pre-formed and ready to wear. Available at most sporting goods stores.

- Pros: Inexpensive, readily available.

- Cons: Bulky, limited sizes, can make breathing and talking difficult, offer minimal protection due to poor fit.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards:

- Description: Made of thermoplastic material. Softened in boiling water and then placed in the mouth to form around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.

- Pros: More affordable, better fit than stock mouthguards, relatively easy to obtain and mold.

- Cons: Can become uneven if not fitted correctly, may not offer as much protection as a custom-fitted option.

3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards:

- Description: Made by a dental professional from a mold of your teeth.

- Pros: Superior fit, comfort, and protection. Less bulky, doesn’t interfere with speech or breathing, durable.

- Cons: More expensive, requires a visit to a dental professional.

Why Professional Mouthguards are the Best and Safest Option:

- Custom Fit: They are specifically tailored to fit the exact contours of your teeth and gums, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit. This reduces the risk of the mouthguard being dislodged and provides better protection.

- Maximum Protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection against dental injuries. They absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively than over-the-counter options.

- Material Quality: They are made from high-quality materials under professional supervision, making them more durable and long-lasting.

- Comfort and Ease of Use: Because of the precise fit, they are usually more comfortable to wear and don’t interfere with breathing or speaking, which is crucial during sports or other activities.

- Specialised Design: Dental professionals can design these mouthguards taking into account specific sports or requirements (like braces), offering tailored protection.

- Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness: Though more expensive initially, their durability and effectiveness in preventing dental injuries can make them more cost-effective in the long run.

For individuals engaged in contact sports or those who suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), a professional mouthguard is a worthwhile investment for its superior comfort, fit, and protection.