8 signs of a cavity

So you’ve started to feel something “funny” in your tooth and now you’re wondering whether this can be the early signs of a cavity, or is it just your imagination.

Here are some surefire signs to look for to determine whether you have a cavity or not. Though you may not exhibit every symptom, if you show one or two, it just may be time to call your dentist.

1.  Tooth is sensitive to sugar or sweets

Do you have a tingling sensation or slight rush of pain after eating candy or something sweet? This is the most common sign that there’s a cavity lurking around.

2.  Tooth is sensitive to cold

Some people have sensitive teeth.  However, sometimes temperature sensitivity is a sign of something a little more serious. If you teeth are naturally sensitive and have been so for awhile, nothing to worry about.  But have your teeth recently become sensitive to cold foods?  This can mean one of two things; either you have gum recession, or the early signs of a cavity, also called reversible pulpitis in this case.

3.  Tooth is sensitive to Hot

Same situation as noted above.  Temperature sensitivity can be a sign of more serious things to come.

4.  Tooth pain or Tingling that Starts on its own (nothing triggers it)

This situation is more serious.  Unprovoked pain is a symptom of a condition known as irreversible pulpitis.  If the tooth starts aching on its own, that could mean the nerve has been exposed to bacteria, or some other irritant, and is in the process of dying.  At this point, you will probably need a root canal to save the tooth.

5.  You notice a dark spot on your tooth

A dark spot can mean two things.  It can be an area of hypercalcification or it can be a cavity.  The main determinant is whether the dark spot is hard or soft.  If it’s hard, its ok.  If its soft, it’s a cavity.

6.  You have bad breath

Cavities stink, period.  Cavities indicate a bacterial infection.  Deep and large cavities have undergone months of bacteria harboring on your tooth and can let off a funky odor.  Other things such as diet and bacteria on the back of the tongue can cause bad breath, but the #1 cause of bad breath is cavities and gum disease!

7.  You started having a funny or bad taste in your mouth

This is a sign of a draining infection.  This infection, more than likely, started from a cavity.  If you have started to taste any different or strange taste in your mouth, definitely start to investigate.

8.  You can feel a hole in your tooth with your tongue

What better way to be sure of a cavity then to feel it.  If you feel a hole in your tooth that wasn’t there before, you probably fractured some enamel.  Enamel only fractures because of trauma, teeth grinding, or because of a cavity/decay.  If you haven’t had a traumatic incident recently, or grind your teeth at night, then it must be a cavity.

Definitely look for these signs to tell whether or not you have a cavity.  But truly, the only way to verify a cavity is with a dental x-ray.  Visit your dentist and have him/her check it out for you.

If you have a question, feel free to ask our dental professional here.

Hopes this information helps!

Save My Smile Team