{"id":283,"date":"2025-02-13T14:56:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T14:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.i20familydental.com\/blog\/?p=283"},"modified":"2025-04-02T14:58:42","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T14:58:42","slug":"how-do-you-know-if-you-need-a-dental-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.i20familydental.com\/blog\/2025\/02\/13\/how-do-you-know-if-you-need-a-dental-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Know if You Need a Dental Filling?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dental decay is a common but dangerous condition of the teeth. Though it is easily fixed, if left untreated it can worsen and eventually cost you your smile. Here\u2019s how you can tell if you may have it, and how your dentist can help stop it from getting worse!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Dental Decay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dental decay occurs when sugar in your mouth left behind from the foods you eat slowly dissolves your teeth. It happens when these sugars react to the bacteria found in plaque, forming acid that softens the tooth\u2019s enamel and dentine. Thankfully, this acidity is eventually neutralized through the salts in your saliva, however it can wreak havoc on your teeth for about an hour after you eat or drink if not brushed away sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Dental Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are three types of dental decay: coronal cavities, root cavities, and recurrent decay. Coronal cavities are the most common and occur on the chewing surfaces and between the teeth. Root cavities can develop when the patient has receding gums and exposed tooth roots, and recurrent decay forms around existing restorations like fillings and dental crowns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signs of Dental Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Though it can be difficult to tell if you have tooth decay, sometimes there may be warning signs. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n