6 Telltale Signs of a Cavity

Did you realize that when left untreated, cavities can cause more harm than good? It should be treated as soon as possible, but how can you tell whether or not you have one?

The pain can sometimes be severe and make day-to-day living difficult. However, cavities don’t always cause pain, which makes them even harder to detect.

Furthermore, you should not only rely on physical signs. Emotional signs are just as, if not more, important than the physical ones.

Cavities are sneaky and symptoms often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Here’re 6 telltale signs of a cavity.

1. Sensitivity to Temperature

One potential telltale sign of a cavity is increased sensitivity to temperature. This could manifest as increased pain when consuming hot or cold drinks or food.

Additionally, someone with tooth problems may also experience pain when exposed to extreme changes in temperature, such as when outside in cold weather.

2. Visible Holes or Spots

When bacteria and plaque build up on your teeth, it can start to eat away at the enamel and create small spaces or openings. These spots are usually small at first, but they can eventually become larger and more apparent. 

3. Persistent Bad Breath

If you have tooth issues, you may notice that your breath smells bad even when you brush your teeth and use mouthwash. This is because the cavity is allowing bacteria to grow and thrive, and this bacteria is what’s causing your bad breath.

4. Pain or Discomfort When Chewing

This is usually due to the fact that the tooth is beginning to decay and the nerve is being affected. Another sign is a small hole or pit in the tooth. This is where the decay has begun to eat away at the tooth. 

If you’re wondering, “What is pulpotomy, and can it help me?”, read our pulpotomy guide for the answers.

5. Dark Stains on Teeth

When tooth enamel breaks down, it leaves behind tiny pores that become stained with debris from food and drinks. This can cause the teeth to appear yellow, brown, or black.

Another sign of a cavity is a change in the color of the tooth. A healthy tooth is typically a uniform white color, but a cavity can cause it to become darker. 

6. Pus

The telltale signs of a cavity are a change in color of the tooth, usually a darkening, and the presence of pus. The pus is a sign of infection, and is usually white or yellow.

It is important to see a local dentist if you think you have a cavity, as they can determine whether the tooth can be saved or if it needs to be extracted.

Signs of a Cavity Explained

Most cavities do not cause pain until they are very large, so it is important to be on the lookout for the signs of a cavity. These are no joke! If you think you might have one, be sure to see your dentist ASAP.

This can be treated with fillings, which will help to restore your tooth to its original function and form. 

The sooner you catch and treat a cavity, the better! Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable. Regular dental checkups can help avoid cavities altogether.

Check out our website for more dental related articles like this one.

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