You probably know that your Oakbrook Terrace dentist recommends that you make and keep appointments for dental exams and cleanings every six months. Unfortunately, life is busy, and sometimes, you may not prioritize dental visits. However, if you want to avoid tooth decay, it’s essential to focus on preventative dental care for you and your entire family.
What Are the Signs of Tooth Decay?
If you have a small cavity, you may be unaware of it, but your Oakbrook Terrace dentist can identify cavities through the use of x-rays. However, some of the telltale signs that you are developing a cavity include the following:
Toothache – If your tooth is throbbing or it hurts when you eat hot, cold, or sweet foods, you may have tooth decay.
Tooth sensitivity – If drinking something hot or cold makes you cringe, it could mean you have a cavity.
Discolored tooth – If you have a white spot or a dark discoloration on your tooth, it could indicate tooth decay.
Tooth hole – If you can see or feel a hole in your tooth, even if it’s small, the chances are good that it’s a cavity.
Swollen or bleeding gums – If the gums around your tooth are red and swollen or bleeding, you may be experiencing tooth decay.
The Importance of Preventative Dentistry
At George Rivera, DDS, we continually stress the importance of preventative dentistry to our patients. We strive to help you build healthy dental habits, and we work hard to educate our patients about the best ways to care for their smiles. The most crucial preventative dentistry services regarding tooth decay include:
Regular oral exams – We recommend you visit our dental office every six months so that we can check for signs of tooth decay and other dental health issues.
Teeth cleanings – During your visit to our dental office, we will remove plaque buildup from your teeth, reducing the risk of cavities.
Routine x-rays – Using digital x-rays, we can look for potential issues before they become larger, more invasive dental concerns.
Need Dental Cleanings in Oakbrook Terrace?
If you need to schedule a routine dental exam and cleaning, we are ready to take your call! At George Rivera, DDS, our primary goal is to help you achieve and maintain the best oral health possible. You can reach our dental office at (630) 592-4949. We look forward to hearing from you.