When you first learned to brush your teeth, you were probably told to take care of your dental health to prevent cavities. Despite the worldwide emphasis on practicing good oral hygiene, cavities are still widespread among all demographics. They eat away at the protective layer of the teeth, giving more opportunities for bacteria and plaque to grow and damage your teeth more.
Cavities develop when you consume sugary food or drinks, as the bacteria in your mouth convert these sugars into acid. The acid then wears down your tooth enamel, eventually exposing your tooth pulp, blood vessels, and nerves. Teeth affected by cavities will have small holes, experience high sensitivity, and feature tiny crevices. It is crucial to treat cavities right away before they result in major infections, tooth decay, and tooth loss. Here are five signs you have a cavity:
1. You’re Experiencing Some Tooth Pain
If you experience any kind of tooth pain, don’t brush it off. It is usually a sign that you have a tooth cavity. If you feel pain when you bite something soft, that’s a sign of a progressed cavity, which means you’ll need to see a dentist right away to treat it. If you allow it to worsen, you’ll suffer from consistent, excruciating pain, preventing you from eating properly and inevitably making you feel sick.
2. Your Teeth are Sensitive
Sensitive teeth may be a sign of a cavity. It can be hard to tell when you love eating hot or cold food, but if you’re a dedicated enthusiast of sugary food, you may want to visit a dentist. Tooth sensitivity may feel like a mild or sharp pain or even a tingle in one part of your tooth, caused by bacteria that wears the enamel down. When the bacteria infiltrate deeper into your tooth, it affects the nerves, making your teeth even more sensitive.
While you can use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, you cannot manage cavities with it. Instead, be sure to seek dental right away so you can treat the issue and stop it from worsening.
3. You Have Small Holes in Your Teeth
Cavities manifest themselves as holes in your teeth, so if you spot tiny crevices in places that used to be smooth enamel, you probably have a cavity. You can also run your tongue over the suspected tooth to see if you can feel the hole. However, it’s best to visit a family dentist that can diagnose the problem and inspect your teeth so they can put you on the ideal treatment. Depending on the severity of your case, this could be a root canal or numerous fillings.
4. Your Teeth Have Dark Spots
A stain, a dark spot, or a discolored tooth are also signs of a cavity. While stains occur by consuming stain-causing beverages and food, it may also indicate a cavity has developed on your tooth. It may present itself as a brown, black, or gray spot. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to see a dentist to confirm whether or not you have a cavity.
5. You Have Bad Breath
Tooth decay-causing bacteria can result in bad breath, especially when it reaches your tongue. If you taste something foul when brushing your teeth, it may be a sign that you’ve had a cavity for a while. Brushing well and flossing regularly will help keep cavities at bay, but if one is already forming, be sure to visit a dentist as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening.
Conclusion
These are some of the most common indicators of a cavity. If you notice something unusual with your teeth, it’s best to have it checked by a dentist instead of hoping it goes away, as it may be a new cavity that will eventually develop into tooth decay.
Ivy Rose Family Dentistry is an affordable dentist in Mansfield, Texas, specializing in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. We offer dental crowns, implants, sealants, dentures, Invisalign, cleanings, and many more. Contact us today to book an appointment!
