How To Tell If You Have A Cavity

Cavities are one of the most common dental issues, and they form when bacteria in the mouth feed on food particles left on the teeth. Acids produced by the bacteria attack the enamel, resulting in cavities. Cavities usually develop on the molars and premolars, as they are harder to reach with a toothbrush or floss. Cavities can also be white or brown in color. Here are the symptoms of a cavity.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth can be the result of a number of issues, including cavities and gum disease. If you suspect you have a cavity or are experiencing tooth sensitivity, visit our office for an examination. If you’re experiencing pain while chewing or drinking cold or hot beverages, this may also be a sign of a cavity. If this is the case, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to diagnose the problem and begin treatment.

Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth to determine whether or not there’s damage present and determine the best treatment for restoring the affected tooth. Typically, a filling will be recommended. If the decay is severe, you may need an inlay, onlay, dental crown, or root canal treatment to restore the tooth and prevent further damage.

In some cases, if the cavity is left untreated for too long, the affected tooth may need to be removed to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth and causing further complications. Avoid ignoring tooth pain or sensitivity, as untreated tooth decay can lead to serious health concerns.

Dark Spots

There are a couple of things you can do at home to determine whether or not you have a cavity or tooth damage. One, look for small dark spots on your teeth. If you notice these spots, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away, as these may be early signs of tooth decay. These dark marks can really only be detected by looking at them up close, so it is important to have a dentist you trust to take an up-close look at your teeth and gums.

Another way to tell if you have a cavity is if your tooth hurts. Over time, a tooth with decay will begin feeling increasingly sensitive when exposed to heat, cold, sweets, or even breathing in cold air. If you are experiencing any tooth sensitivity at all, it is important to make an appointment with your general dentist as soon as possible. Some of these symptoms could be caused by gum recession, but the only way to know for sure is to take a trip to your dental office for a checkup.

It is important to visit your family dentistry office regularly for checkups and professional cleanings in order to catch cavities and other oral health issues early on before they cause permanent damage to your teeth. In addition to checking for cavities and other problems, regular visits can also help to keep your mouth healthy and prevent the development of serious systemic diseases.

Pain and Discomfort

When cavities first start to develop, you may not notice any pain at all. This is one of the reasons why regular visits to your dentist are so important. Your dentist will be able to diagnose decay before it gets painful, allowing him or her to repair it before the pain starts. Even if it does start to hurt, however, there are specific symptoms that indicate you have tooth decay.

Toothache is common when tooth decay is more advanced. As your cavity gets bigger, it can irritate the nerves inside it and cause you severe pain. A dull ache is another symptom that occurs in more advanced stages of tooth decay. This dull ache will be felt in the infected area of the tooth.

Swelling of the Gums

If you notice swelling of the gums, then you might have a cavity. This is because of bacteria that spread and multiplies in the tooth enamel and dentin. The infection can then spread to the gums and cause inflammation. If the swelling is severe, your tooth may be sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks. If it’s mild, the sensitivity won’t be noticeable. However, the infection will still be present and continue to grow, destroying the healthy tissues around your teeth.

When the infection progresses further, it can affect the underlying bone structures as well. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist at the first sign of anything abnormal going on in your mouth or teeth.