For the average person, the thought of getting a cavity is unpleasant at the very least; there are few experiences more nerve-wracking than sitting in the chair, hearing the hum of the drill, and awaiting the inevitable. Fortunately with the advent of modern dentistry and technology that improves and becomes more efficient every day, getting a cavity is not as big of a deal as it was in the past, often a problem that is able to be resolved fully in as little as one appointment. Knowing the causes of cavities, warning signs, and best practices for prevention can help you bring the issue to a suitable conclusion and help you avoid the same occurrence further along down the line.

The first judgment to make: how can the average person know if they have a cavity? Being mindful of the state of one's mouth and observant of any changes in sensation or sensitivity in the teeth and surround gums is vital - the sooner you are able to identify a problem, the more favorable a position you put you and your dentist in for a successful outcome. Pain is the classic indicator of an underlying problem - be sure to take note of where the pain is present and at what times it presents itself to you. Visual clues that a cavity may have formed include visible spots and holes, anomalies which rarely appear without reason. Unexplained bad breath or taste in the mouth, especially in the case of consistently meticulous brushers and flossers, are also problematic, as is the appearance of pus or other seeping fluids, which are abnormal and require immediate attention.

If caught and addressed early, cavities are quite simple to fix; in cases where the patient has brought the cavity to his or her dentist's attention early enough, they are generally able to be filled. Dental fillings are one of the most common procedures performed in-office annually - the process involves the removal of any infected tissue and a thorough cleaning of the area. After the tooth has been adequately prepared, the hole that remains is filled with a special type of tooth-colored dental putty, set in layers, polished, and cleaned once more. In more severe instances where the patient has allowed the decay to run rampant for an extended period of time, the tooth may be too weakened to support itself using the aid of a simple filling. Crowning a badly decayed tooth may be necessary in order to save the root and avoid the need for an extraction; in extreme cases, where the internal root and inner pulp of the tooth is rotten beyond the point of redemption, more drastic measures such as a root canal may be required in order to relieve the pain and prevent further deterioration.

Prevention of cavities is as simple as brushing and flossing twice a day - the use of a fluoride-based, anti-septic mouthwash will also help flush out harder-to-reach parts of the mouth, making sure no debris will be allowed to run amok lurk hidden from sight. Your dentist will be able to provide you with all of the information you'll need to avoid getting cavities in the future.