7 Signs of a Cavity
Did you know that 63 percent of adults visit the dentist at least once a year? Still, nearly 26 percent of Americans between the ages of 20-44 have untreated dental caries.
Are you experiencing undiagnosed oral health issues? If so, they may be the result of a cavity! If you aren’t sure, read the seven signs of cavities below.
1. Discoloration
Sometimes, cavities have visible warning signs, such as discoloration. If you notice brown or black areas on your teeth, talk to your dentist.
Although stains may result from improper brushing or the foods and drinks you consume, it’s best to get a professional opinion.
2. Holes in Teeth
Another observable sign of a cavity is a hole, pit, or dent in your tooth. These may be areas of tooth decay, which eat away at your tooth enamel and create small craters.
Since your teeth have natural grooves, especially on the surfaces of molars, tooth decay may not be so apparent to the untrained eye. The best way to determine whether your teeth are healthy is to have a dentist perform an exam and x-rays.
3. General Pain
In the early stages, cavities usually cause no pain. Yet, you may develop tooth pain that doesn’t go away as they progress.
Masking the pain with ibuprofen or other medicines only provides temporary relief. So visit the dentist right away!
4. Pain When Biting
Besides a toothache, you may also have worsened pain when you bite. This pain makes it difficult to eat most foods. While you wait to see the dentist, stick to soft foods!
5. Swollen Gums
Cavities can form near the gums, infecting the soft tissue. When you brush or floss, your gums may bleed or feel painful.
This symptom is also common in patients with gingivitis, so have your dentist rule that out during your appointment!
6. Bad Breath
Food particles get stuck in cavities, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. As a result, your tooth may become infected. Not surprisingly, when this happens, you may notice your breath take a turn for the worst or a bad taste in your mouth.
The best way to freshen up your breath is by learning how to prevent cavities!
7. Sensitivity
Sensitivity is common when patients have cavities, which can be mild or severe. Sometimes it comes out of nowhere, but there is a trigger most often. For example, you may have sensitivity to hot drinks, cold foods, or chewy ingredients.
Do You Have a Cavity? Visit a Dentist to Find Out!
Not all cavities cause evident symptoms. So, even if you don’t have any cavity symptoms, it’s essential to visit the dentist every so often.
Of course, if you have any of these symptoms, seek dental care as soon as possible! Even if a cavity isn’t the root of the problem, your dentist can get to the bottom of your oral issues and treat them.
In the meantime, check out more of our dental content that can help you maintain better oral hygiene!
