How to Tell if You Have a Cavity: Common Signs to Look For

Attending multiple dental appointments throughout the year might feel like a bothersome chore. However, neglecting these visits for an extended period can pave the way for significant oral health issues that you might not be prepared to handle in the future. Ignoring dental problems could lead to the development of cavities, which should not be taken lightly. Below we cover how to tell if you have a cavity.

How to Tell if You Have a Cavity: Common Signs to Look For

Cavities can be treated easily and relatively painlessly with a dental filling if caught early enough. Cavities that are left to grow may further spread decay, making it likely that you will need a root canal or even a tooth extraction. You can contact our dental office at the earliest sign of tooth discomfort, which we will go into more detail about below. Here’s how to tell if you have a cavity: common signs to look for and methods to prevent the spread of decay.

How Cavities Form

Cavities begin forming from the buildup of bacteria that comes from the foods and beverages you consume. Particles from sugar, tobacco, juice, and other substances create bacteria that adhere to the tooth surfaces, eventually turning into plaque. This tough, adhesive substance erodes enamel and leaves plenty of room for infection to set in.

As this infection progresses, it starts attacking parts of the teeth. These affected portions display dark brown and black spots, which grow larger if untreated. This underscores the importance of visiting your dentist regularly, as you might not even be aware of the emerging cavity within your mouth until ti’s too late. Whether you have noticed a dark spot on your teeth or you are starting to feel pain or sensitivity around the area, it’s a good idea to get in touch with your Samaritan Dental Arts specialists right away.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cavities

To identify cavity symptoms, it’s crucial for you and your dentist to recognize the early warning signs before they escalate into a very painful – and expensive – oral health problem. You might have a cavity if you experience one or more of the following on a regular basis:

• Random bursts of pain from your tooth or gums
• Constant pain and aches in the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
• Dark spots or stains on the teeth that continue to grow
• Discomfort when biting down

If you’ve been grappling with significant tooth discomfort, a cavity could very well be the culprit. By reaching out to your dentist ASAP, you are making sure that you are taking care of the issue before it turns into a full-blown tooth infection. By that point, your symptoms will be agonizing and your tooth may have to be completely removed from your mouth.

Less Common Signs and Symptoms of Cavities

Permitting a cavity to grow without intervention might cause it to spread, intensifying the symptoms. Continued negligence could have terrible oral health results, signing you up for a future of pain and discomfort. Stay on top of your health by avoiding these signs:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• A throbbing sensation in the gums, jaws, or neck
• Swollen cheeks
• Heightened pain when lying down or tilting forward
• Excessive sensitivity to temperature changes
• Fever
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)

If any of these signs persist, you might be dealing with a tooth infection that is starting to spread to other areas of the mouth. You can invest in emergency dental care for quick intervention as the last hope of saving your tooth. Otherwise, there are many proactive measures you can take to keep your oral health in tip-top shape. For example, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can keep harmful bits of bacteria at bay.

Treat Your Cavities ASAP

Your oral health is incredibly important, and taking care of your teeth is a lifelong task. You may be the perfect candidate for dental cavities treatment if you have a growing cavity, tooth sensitivity, pain, or localized discomfort of any kind. It is a good idea to reach out to your trusted dental experts as quickly as you can, as acting quickly can save your tooth from extraction. Learn more when you contact our pros today.