Sometimes when you go and see your dentist, you can get a bit of a shock. You might have thought your teeth were okay, but now, your dentist tells you you need a filling! It can be easy to miss the signs, but they are there. Here are a few of the many ways you can tell that you might need a filling.
You See One Fall Out
Experts at Men’s Health say that fillings usually last around ten years or less, so it’s not uncommon for them to succumb to age and break or fall out eventually. One of the most obvious ways you know you need a new filling is when one comes out. You may notice it’s broken by feeling it with your tongue, or you may spit it out of your mouth while eating. In either case, it’s time to make an appointment with your dentist for a new one.
You’re In Pain
Dental O So Gentle advises that if you don’t remember experiencing any injuries or trauma in your mouth, then the pain you’re feeling in one tooth or several teeth could relate to cavities. If that’s the case, you might need a filling. When your tooth throbs, radiates pain or feels more sensitive when you’re eating or drinking something cold or hot, that can mean you have a cavity in that general vicinity.
General Sensitivity
Aside from being sensitive when you drink or eat something hot or cold, general sensitivity can be a sign of cavities. Some people have naturally sensitive teeth, but if you don’t, then a new form of sensitivity can be a reason to see a dentist. It could still be worn enamel or another problem if it’s not a cavity.
You Feel or See Something Strange
Sometimes, it’s not pain or discomfort that has you wondering whether you have a filling, but a general sensation or something you see. If you notice a dark spot in your mouth, you may find it’s a cavity. You may even run your tongue over your teeth and notice something out of the ordinary. In either case, it’s a good idea to call your dentist and make an appointment sooner rather than later.
You Haven’t Seen Your Dentist in a Long Time
If you haven’t been paying much attention to your oral care, and you can’t remember the last time you went to a dentist, then it’s a recipe for disaster. Not only are you not looking after your teeth, but you’re not letting a dentist either. There’s a high chance that you have cavities – or are in the running to get some.
There are several tell-tale signs that you might need a filling, but only one person knows for sure. Make an appointment with your dentist for a full oral exam and x-rays. They can then put together a plan of attack to see your teeth looking and feeling at their best once more.