Sometimes, your teeth need a little extra support to maintain their strength and function. This is especially true if they’ve shown signs of dental caries (tooth decay). Dental fillings are the standard way of addressing cavities. They can quickly and painlessly restore the function of your teeth and keep your smile looking great. But how do you know if you need one?

If you want to learn how to tell if you need a filling, continue reading. Knowing the signs that show you may need a dental filling can help you stay proactive in your oral hygiene. 

1. Persistent Pain in Your Tooth

If you experience a persistent toothache, it could be a sign of tooth decay. Decay weakens the enamel of your tooth, making it more sensitive to stimulus from all sources, including pressure. If you bite into food and feel a sharp pain or are aware of a throbbing ache near a specific tooth, you may have some hidden decay.

2. Tooth Discoloration

Sometimes, it’s easy to see if you need a filling just from how your teeth look. If you see small brown or black spots appear, or some dark discoloration there may be a cavity present. Try running your fingernail over the spot, if you feel it catch slightly, it’s probably a spot of dental decay.

3. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Your teeth are more sensitive to heat and cold when they’re eroded by cavities. This is because as the enamel thins, it exposes more of your tooth’s nerve endings. These nerves are usually housed safely inside the pulp of your pearly whites. However, if a cavity makes a door, whatever you eat or drink is brought closer to the nerves.

4. Food Gets Trapped More Often in One Spot

If food often gets stuck in certain areas between your teeth, it might indicate the presence of cavities. Food particles are broken down into plaque that forms on the surface of your teeth. If you don’t floss, this plaque can accumulate between your teeth, making cavities hard to detect until they start trapping larger bits of food.

5. Your Dental Floss Breaks or Frays Between Teeth

Speaking of floss, your dental floss may break if you continually run it over a cavity. This is because the acid made by bacterial plaque etches and erodes tooth enamel. This erosion can often leave behind sharp edges or rough surfaces that snag on dental floss.

The most important thing you can do to preserve your oral health is to brush your teeth and floss. Removing as much plaque as possible is the best way to prevent cavities. If you do end up with some tooth decay, don’t wait. Contact your dentist and have them check you over. A dental filling is much easier than other more invasive treatments to restore your smile.

About the Practice

At Berquist Family Dentistry, Dr. Daniel Jordan Berquist and Dr. Robert Jordan Berquist are the core of your highly skilled and professional dental team. They work together to provide top-notch dental care in a clean and welcoming environment. They pride themselves in using state-of-the-art dental technology to make their patient’s lives easier. If you’re looking for dental excellence, you’ve found it. To schedule an appointment, call (219) 226-0544 or visit the website to browse the services they offer.