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#The Dangers of Untreated Cavities and How to Find a Dentist
Cavities are holes in your teeth caused by decay. If left untreated, cavities can lead to severe tooth pain, infection, and even tooth loss. That's why it's so important to get cavities filled before they progress and cause more serious problems. But what should you do if you don't have a dentist or can't reach yours by phone?
##Signs You May Have a Cavity
There are a few key signs that indicate you may have a developing **cavity**:
- Tooth pain or sensitivity, especially when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
- Visible holes or pits in your teeth
- Brown, black, or white spots appearing on your teeth
##If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to get checked by a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you get treatment, the better chance you have of reversing the decay before it leads to major damage.
##Dangers of Leaving Cavities Untreated
**Cavities** will never go away on their own. In fact, they will continue to grow larger and more severe over time. Here are some of the main dangers associated with leaving cavities untreated:
- Tooth decay spreads. The decay process will continue to eat away at healthy tooth structure, making the cavity larger. This can lead to loss of the entire tooth.
- Risk of infection. Bacteria can enter the tooth through the cavity and cause an infection in the pulp (nerve). This is extremely painful and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- Abscesses. An untreated infection can lead to an abscess or pus-filled sac forming at the root of the tooth. Abscesses require urgent dental care.
- Damage to surrounding teeth. Cavities left untreated can start to affect neighboring healthy teeth as well.
Clearly, it's not worth putting off cavity treatment and risking these harmful complications. Early detection and filling is key.
##Finding an Emergency Dentist
If you don't have a regular dentist or can't contact yours, there are still options for getting a cavity treated promptly:
- Search online for emergency dental clinics in your area. Many of these offer walk-in visits and provide care on short notice.
- Check with local health clinics or community health centers. Some offer dental services on an emergency basis.
- Inquire at dental schools. Dental students under professor supervision often provide low-cost or free care.
- Ask for referrals from friends, coworkers, neighbors. Word-of-mouth can help point you to dentists accepting new patients.
- Consult review sites like Yelp that list emergency dental clinics and detail costs/wait times.
- Don't delay even if it's outside normal office hours - ERs can give antibiotics and pain relief for dental emergencies.
The key is acting quickly when you notice cavity symptoms. Even if you can't reach your regular dentist, seek professional help ASAP.
##At-Home Pain Relief for Cavities
While you look for a dentist, you can temporarily relieve cavity pain and discomfort at home:
- Rinse with warm salt water - Helps reduce inflammation and clean out food particles.
- Use over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to alleviate pain.
- Apply a cold compress - Ice packs or cold washcloths may numb pain.
- Avoid certain foods - Hot, cold, sticky, crunchy, and sugary foods can irritate the tooth.
- Practice good oral hygiene - Brush gently 2x daily and floss once daily.
But remember, these are only temporary fixes. They won't treat the underlying cavity and stop the decay. You need to book a dental appointment as soon as possible.
##Don't Put Off Treatment
Cavities only get worse over time, so it’s critical to get checked and treated promptly. Catching decay early saves you from extensive pain, dental work, and bills down the road. Don’t wait until it becomes an emergency. Speak to a dentist right away if you notice any signs of cavities. With early detection and care, you can stop decay in its tracks and prevent further damage. Don’t take chances with your oral health.
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