Dental Cavities – Signs to Know That Your Teeth Have Cavities

Cavities are one of the greatest evils that can affect your oral health. They are in fact, one of the most common oral issues in the country.

They are the permanently damaged areas on the hard surface of the teeth that develop into tiny holes or openings. The cavities and tooth decay are created by a combination of factors like frequent snacking, unhealthy oral hygiene routine, sipping on sugary drinks and some ailments like gum disease.

If the cavities are not treated well, they can get larger and start affecting the deeper layers of the teeth.  This can lead to tooth loss, infection and toothache.

But in order to prevent the cavities and the tooth decay from affecting your oral health you need to identify the symptoms first.

How To Know That Your Teeth Have Cavities

So here an attempt is made to bring forth some of the most common symptoms that you can experience if you have cavities. Have a look.

• Toothache (and You Don’t Know the Reason for It) – One of the most common causes of tooth pain happens to be tooth decay although a sinus infection or a tooth injury can also be the reason for it. But if there is a sudden toothache and there is no other change in your teeth then definitely cavity is the cause for the same. Once the cavity makes its way through the enamel it keeps on drilling to the next layer. The cavity even travels into the teeth pulp which is the central part that is made of living cells and tissues. As the cavity gets closer to the pulp it is more likely to get inflamed giving rise to pain. Sometimes a cavity may not cause a pain, and that is why regular appointment with the dentist is recommended to detect its presence.
• Tooth Sensitivity – A sensitive tooth can also imply cavity. The tooth can feel sensitive when you drink something hot or cold but otherwise you may not feel anything. Pain and sensitivity both can imply that cavities have developed on your teeth and they are left without treatment for some time.  You should get a check-up right away.
• Stains on the Surface of the Teeth – As the layers of the teeth get weakened because of cavity you may not see a hole immediately. But you may notice brown, grey or black spots. If you find a spot you can rest assured that bacteria are gradually making their way inside the enamel. If you do not treat the cavities, then holes can develop.
• Holes on the Teeth – Sometimes you can feel holes on the surface of the teeth with your tongue or see them directly. This is not at all a good sign and you should book an appointment with the dentist without delay as cavities have plunged in deep within your teeth.
• Pain at the Time of Chewing Food – If the tooth has a crack or a cavity, your tooth can hurt when you start chewing on any food. If you feel a sharp pang of pain at the time of crunching on an apple or biting food, you should know that your tooth can be infected and be in the process of decaying.  If you touch the affected area you can gauge the severity of the pain and determine whether the tooth needs to be evaluated. If you feel a jolt of pain the moment you touch the tooth, then you need to schedule an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible.
• Foul Breath or Bad Taste in the Mouth – Cavities are usually small and infected holes that develop in the teeth making the teeth the breeding ground of bacteria and food debris. The cavity is caused by sugar and acid breaking a hole in the enamel as a result of which bacteria can get inside the teeth. These bacteria can give rise to a bad breath and taste in the mouth. Bad breath can also be a warning sign of gum disease and that can eventually give rise to teeth decay. If you notice persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth you should consult with your dentist as soon as possible.
• Swelling, Pus or Extreme Pain – These can be a symptom of an abscess. The pus is created by a bacterial infection in the tooth that results from untreated tooth decay. It can cause pain, fever and swollen glands and calls for immediate medical attention as it spreads through the jaw.

The above are some of the major symptoms of cavities and tooth decay that you should be aware of. If you notice any of them, you should consult with the best dentist at the nearest dental clinic so that you can retain a great oral health and your mouth remains free of cavities. You can also avail other dental treatment like teeth whitening, cleaning, and other dental services.