How to Tell If You Have a Cavity?

Cavities are among the most frequent dental issues. Now, while a teeny, little cavity may seem like no big deal, the truth is, it ‘s crucial to treat any area of decay immediately to prevent other issues from developing. If cavities aren’t treated immediately, they might lead to an abscess or tooth loss. It may not always be easy to notice cavities on your own, so it’s crucial to know what to look out for.

Signs of a Cavity

Your tooth cavity symptoms can vary greatly depending on your particular oral health, making it hard to know when you should visit your dentist. There are certain indications that are commonly accepted to be indications that a cavity may be lurking in your tooth.

Toothache -sudden pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause

The most common sign of a cavity is a toothache. Tooth pain can occur suddenly, and there are many times when a toothache does not have any clear sign as to what caused the pain in the first place. However, any pain in the mouth is typically a sign that something is wrong, and you should schedule an appointment with your dentist. Most often, lingering tooth pain that lasts for a few days is a sign of a cavity.

Sensitivity -moderate or sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, cold or hot

Though it resembles toothache, tooth sensitivity is usually a sign of tooth decay. Unlike a toothache, however, sensitivity generally causes shooting pain when drinking hot, cold, or sweet and may not be persistent. Sensitivity can occur when the protective layer of tooth enamel is worn away, leaving a nerve and root exposed to the heat, cold, sugar, and bacteria.

Staining – tooth discoloration throughout any portion of a tooth

There are a number of other indicators of a cavity that are visible, such as white spots on a tooth or darker areas of brown or gray. Vermilion, tea, or wine drinks can cause tooth staining which in turn may indicate the presence of decay. If you discover a new tiny white spot on your tooth or discolored regions of brown or gray, it suggests that tooth decay is present and is progressing further in the tooth.

Pitting – visible holes or pits in your teeth

Another sign of forming cavities is hole or facial pit formation. A white spot may start on the tooth then develop into pitting. Now, take note, the most frequent areas for cavities to form are between teeth, and you may not be able to see the pitting there. This is another reason why it is so important to see a dentist near you regularly every six months.

Pain when you bite down

When you experience pain when you bite down, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. If the pain is sharp and sudden, it could be a sign of an infection. If the pain is dull and lingers, it could be a sign of gum disease. Either way, it’s important to see a dentist to get to the bottom of the problem.

How to Prevent Cavities

In addition to going to your dentist twice a year for cleanings, exams, and X-rays, it’s also necessary that you take good care of your smile at home. Some of the best things you can do to prevent cavities are to:

• Brush and floss every day
• Drink water throughout the day
• Limit sugary sweets and drinks
• Eat a well-balanced diet

We recommend that all of our patients schedule an appointment every six months for checkups and cavities that are quite easy to treat. More severe decay may require more invasive procedures such as root canal or extraction.