{"id":826,"date":"2018-02-15T22:46:52","date_gmt":"2018-02-15T22:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premierdentalwaco.com\/blog\/?p=826"},"modified":"2018-03-14T22:51:21","modified_gmt":"2018-03-14T22:51:21","slug":"not-sure-have-cavity-dentist-in-waco-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premierdentalwaco.com\/blog\/not-sure-have-cavity-dentist-in-waco-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Not Sure if You Have a Cavity? Your Dentist in Waco Can Help"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AMany people think they don\u2019t need to visit the dentist if they don\u2019t feel like anything is wrong. Unfortunately, it\u2019s this mentality that\u2019s caused so many people to have tooth decay in the United States. According to the CDC\u2019s National Center for Health Statistics, 91 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 had dental caries (cavities) in permanent teeth from 2011 to 2012. That means more than likely, you have cavities in your mouth right now, but don\u2019t know it.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s post, your dentist in Waco<\/a> explains why cavities aren\u2019t necessarily felt at first and what you can do to prevent them.<\/p>\n

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How Do Cavities Form?<\/h2>\n

While some oral bacteria is healthy, many bacteria contribute to oral disease by producing acids. These acids are formed after they consume the foods leftover from the surface of our teeth and in the pockets of our gums. Over time, large amounts of bacteria and acid form into what is called dental plaque. This directly attacks tooth enamel.<\/p>\n

Once enough tooth enamel has worn away, small cavities can start to take form. By not removing this dental plaque as soon as possible, you only put your remaining tooth enamel and inner tooth at risk for exposure and infection.<\/p>\n

What are the Signs of a Cavity? Do They Hurt?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s very difficult to tell when a cavity is forming on your own because cavities don\u2019t hurt in the early stages. This is because tooth enamel does not contain any nerves to alert you of forming cavities. At first it might sound reassuring to know that cavities don\u2019t cause pain initially, but it\u2019s exactly this fact that makes them so insidious.<\/p>\n

However, signs of a moderate to severe cavity can become noticeable in the following situations:<\/p>\n