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Nobody enjoys having cavities, but chances are you’ll experience at least one in your lifetime, if not more. Cavities, or tooth decay, are a result of the buildup of plaque, which erodes the enamel on the surface of your teeth. While brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help prevent cavities, if plaque has a chance to build up, it can eat away at your teeth and create cavities. Understanding some of the most common cavity symptoms is important in being able to catch them early on. This will help you keep your teeth clean and can prevent cavities from creating bigger problems in your teeth.
We’ve highlighted five common cavity symptoms and what they feel like to help you be proactive in your dental care and help keep cavities at bay.
What Do Cavities Feel Like: Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
While many people suffer from sensitivity in their teeth, any lingering sensitivity can actually be a symptom of a cavity and may be worth getting checked. With cavities, sensitivity to hot and cold is common. When the enamel in your teeth wears away, it can affect the dentin, which is the hard layer beneath the enamel. The dentin contains lots of tiny, microscopic holes that can allow hot or cold foods to stimulate the nerve in your teeth, resulting in lingering sensitivity. If this is a symptom that you’ve noticed recently, it is worth booking in with your dentist for an exam, to be sure you don’t have any cavities.
Toothaches
Toothaches are another common indicator that you may have a cavity, especially if it is an ongoing ache in one or more of your teeth. Pain is a common cavity symptom and can come on suddenly or as a result of something you’ve eaten. You might feel pain or pressure when you bite down and chew on food, and these toothaches can cause pain and discomfort both in and around your mouth.
Holes or Pits in Your Teeth
While the idea of holes in your teeth isn’t pleasant, it is a cavity symptom that you should watch for. When looking closely at your teeth, you might notice white spots. These can indicate the start of a cavity, and if left untreated, can lead to holes or pits in your teeth. They may be visible when looking in the mirror, and in some cases, you may even be able to feel them when running your teeth over your teeth. If these holes occur between your teeth, they may not be visible but will still result in pain or sensitivity. If you notice holes or pits in your teeth, it’s important to see your dentist as that is a clear indicator that you have a cavity.
Staining
When we think about stains on our teeth, we often associate it with certain foods or drinks, such as alcohol or coffee. But staining can also be a symptom of a cavity, so it is important to treat them seriously. Stains from a cavity might appear initially as white spots, but if the tooth decay advances, this stain can become darker, appearing brown and black as well. They are commonly seen on the surface of your teeth, making them relatively easy to spot.
Sensitivity to Sweets
Though sensitivity to hot and cold is the most common sensitivity you’ll feel when you have a cavity, sensitivity from sweets or sugary drinks can also indicate that you may have tooth decay. Similar to temperature sensitivity, lingering pain or discomfort from sweets is often a result of your enamel being damaged, which leads to cavities. Ensuring that you brush your teeth well and floss after eating particularly sweet foods or drinks can help prevent plaque buildup, but cavities are still possible. If you’re noticing some sensitivity with sweets, it is a good idea to book in with your dentist for an exam to rule out any potential cavities and have them treated if need be.
Proper oral hygiene and dental care are key in keeping plaque and tooth decay at bay, but cavities can still happen. Knowing what symptoms to watch for is key to catching cavities early and keeping your mouth happy.