When to Fill the Gap: Spotting Indicators for Dental Fillings

It can sometimes be challenging to remember to make an appointment to see your dentist. With so many things occupying your time on a day-to-day basis, sometimes even important things can slip through the cracks.

While a lack of professional care and guidance won’t lead to big problems right away, you may be overlooking the small things that will add up over time.

How would you know if you needed a filling? Dentists are trained to look for the signs of tooth decay and it can start in the smallest, most inconspicuous of places. Read on to learn their secrets for early detection. It may not save you a trip to the dentist, but it could save you money when you get there.

Pain and Sensitivity in Teeth

The first telltale sign of tooth decay is the pain it causes. If you start to notice that you’ve become more sensitive to hot or cold, or that there’s a sharp pain when you chew or even while your teeth are at rest against one another, you might have a cavity.

Cavities are small areas of decay on your teeth caused by bacterial plaque. This substance softens the enamel and makes it more susceptible to damage. Brushing is the most effective way to keep plaque from building up, but the stubborn plaque between the teeth needs to be flossed.

Your Floss Frays or Breaks While Cleaning

If you do floss, but you start to see the string fray when you use it, that could be another sign of tooth decay. As food particles get wedged between your teeth and form plaque, the enamel breaks down, leaving sharp edges that can cut into floss as it moves.

It can be hard to detect cavities if they’ve begun to form out of sight, so the best thing to do if you begin to notice your floss snapping or fraying between your teeth is to go to your dentist for a thorough exam.

Discoloration in Your Teeth

If you notice small dark spots on your enamel that don’t disappear after brushing, or if you can feel an indentation if you run your finger over it, a cavity may be present.

If you’re seeing any of these indicators, it’s time to head to the dentist to get checked out. Fillings are a simple and painless treatment that can be resolved in a matter of minutes.

About the Practice

Dr. Jason Tubo, Dr. Swati Agnihotri, Dr. Marc Bou-Abboud, and Dr. Sonya Shafique are your friendly and professional dental team at Whitinsville Family Dentistry. All four dentists have achieved distinguished honors in their respective fields and are a part of many professional organizations. Dr. Tubo, in particular, was awarded Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD), one of the most prestigious honors in dentistry. To schedule an appointment for teeth cleaning or other treatment, visit the website here or call (508) 234-8107.