Poor oral hygiene practices can create an acidic environment to develop in your mouth. If it’s not countered in some way this chronic condition could gradually start to demineralize an area of tooth enamel causing a cavity.
Early symptoms that tooth decay has started to affect a tooth could include discomfort and increased sensitivity in the tooth or a slight change in texture. Sometimes a cavity can also discolor a small area of tooth enamel.
If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms you need to seek a professional diagnosis from a dentist like Dr. Andrew W Henritze, DDS. In many of these cases he might be able to treat the tooth with a dental filling. After numbing the tooth he will remove any areas of tooth decay and prepare the necessary surface to anchor the dental filling material. 
An amalgam dental filling is made from a durable blend of metals and is often a preferred choice for repairing a cavity on a back tooth. Their dark color makes amalgam dental fillings a poor choice for a tooth that appears in your smile. A composite dental filling can be color matched to the surrounding tooth enamel to repair a cavity on a tooth that appears in your smile.
If you live in the Roanoke, Virginia, area and you suspect a cavity has developed on one of your teeth, please call (540) 989-6600 to seek professional treatment at the dental practice of Andrew Henritze DDS.