Do you find yourself lying awake at night, or frequently hitting Google during the day, in an effort to answer your pressing dental questions? Most people want to do all they can to protect their smiles, but they struggle to understand what preventive care is really key to the smile’s health. Others either feel too embarrassed or too busy to ask their general dentist the questions they have about oral health. Since getting answers to common dental questions can often be the first step in ensuring that your smile is getting the key care it needs, why not take the time to learn more about what your smile could really be telling you, and what signs you should be watching for, if you want to avoid the need for extensive restorative treatment?

How common are cavities?

Some studies indicate that nearly 90 percent of the adults in America will suffer from dental decay, and that nearly 30 percent of school-aged children will also be diagnosed with cavities. In other words, a lot of people will struggle with dental problems.

With that in mind,

Is discomfort a sign of dental problems?

Heightened sensitivity and discomfort are frequently ignored, yet they can both be warning signs of dental decay, like cavities. If you do suffer from moderate to severe sensitivity when eating, it is best to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible.

A prompt cleaning could help remove acidic tartar buildup, but in many cases, restorative treatment is also necessary when the teeth’s enamel has been compromised.

Don’t be afraid to speak with your dentist at your next checkup, about what else you should know about your smile’s health, and how to protect it!