Anyone who has ever experienced a severe toothache will tell you that you do not want to neglect dental care until a tooth decays to the point of intense pain. Many will agree that a toothache is one of the worst types of pain that one can experience. A toothache tends to feel worse at night with dull, throbbing pain that seems to increase when one is lying in bed. While pain pills might relieve a toothache temporarily, the best remedy is to get rid of the decay that is causing the ache by filling the tooth or extracting it. However, if one takes a proactive approach, the ache can be prevented, and the tooth can be saved. If your dentist has told you that you need a filling, but you are not feeling any pain, there are some things you need to know about tooth decay.

Poor oral care leads to tooth decay. Neglecting brushing and flossing results in a tooth becoming exposed to acid producing bacteria. Tooth decay occurs as the acid and bacteria eat into the tooth. Initially these destructive bacteria can go unnoticed, so in the early stages of tooth decay; it is not unusual to experience no pain at all. However, as the decay persists a hole will appear in the affected tooth, allowing the nerves to be exposed. Exposed nerves bring pain. When the decay goes unchecked it can reach the point where the only relief is to extract the tooth. 

The best way to prevent cavities is to brush and floss regularly; however, even with the best oral hygiene, people develop cavities. It makes sense to have a dentist evaluate the teeth to determine if cavities are present before the painful effects are felt. Checking for cavities is simple. The dentist can diagnose a cavity by touching a tooth with a dental instrument, if the instrument sticks to the tooth, this is evidence that a cavity is present. A dentist will also examine the teeth using an x-ray which can tell the extent of decay.

Having regular oral examinations can help one avoid dealing with the pains that cavities bring. As soon as a cavity is discovered the dentist can fill the tooth before the situation gets worse. This can also prevent the tooth from decaying to the point where it would need to be removed, becomes abscessed or requires a root canal.