Cavities Happen. Here’s What To Know.
We hear it all the time: “Cavities? Aren’t those just for kids who eat too much candy?” Not quite. The truth is, most of the cavities we treat are in adults, busy New Yorkers juggling work, family, late nights, and plenty of on-the-go meals. It doesn’t take a bag of Halloween candy to cause decay. A coffee with sugar every morning, a snack here and there without brushing, and even dry mouth from certain medications can set the stage for a cavity. And here’s the thing about cavities: they don’t fix themselves. They only get bigger. Read on to learn why fillings matter now more than ever.
Why Fillings Matter More Than You Think
Most people think of a filling as “patching a hole.” But it’s more than that. A filling stops decay in its tracks before it spreads deeper into the tooth. Left untreated, a simple cavity can turn into pain, infection, and eventually the need for a crown or even a root canal. Catching a cavity early and treating it with a filling is one of the simplest ways to protect your smile for the long run. It’s like fixing a small crack in the sidewalk before it becomes a pothole.
Today’s Fillings Aren’t Like They Were in the Old Days
When many patients hear “filling,” they picture silver metal that stands out whenever they smile. That was then. Today, we use tooth-colored material that blends seamlessly with your natural tooth enamel. Most people won’t even notice you’ve had work done. The materials are strong, long-lasting, and safe. And the process is far more comfortable than you might expect. Some patients tell us they were surprised by how quick and painless it was. For them, the anxiety of “what might happen” turned out to be worse than the reality.
Spotting a Cavity Before It Hurts
Here’s the tricky part: cavities don’t always cause pain in the beginning. By the time you feel sensitivity or discomfort, the decay has often progressed. That’s why regular checkups are so important. It’s often during those routine visits that we find small cavities before they turn into big headaches.
Some Subtle Signs to Watch for:
While it is better to come in for regular checkups, there are some signs you can watch out for at home, like:
- Dark spots on a tooth.
- Sensitivity to sweets, cold, or hot drinks.
- Food consistently gets stuck in the same place.
If you notice any of these, it’s worth giving us a call.
Prevention Is Still the Best Medicine
Of course, the easiest cavity to treat is the one that never happens. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing with water after meals — these small habits add up. Pair them with your regular dental visits, and you’re giving your teeth the best chance to stay healthy and strong.
If it’s been a while since you’ve come in to see us, or you’re worried you might have a cavity, you’re not alone. Many of our patients felt the same way before they came in. What they usually say after their appointment is, “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I imagined.” That’s the experience we want every patient to have: gentle, respectful, and focused on keeping you comfortable.
Call our office located on the Upper East Side today to set up an appointment.
