Cavity Symptoms: Do I Have a Cavity?

Cavity symptoms – you probably know them. A sharp pain, sensitive teeth, trouble eating or drinking. Yes, you may have a dreaded cavity. You’ll need your dentist to examine your tooth to confirm, so if you have cavity symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist in Midland right away for a check-up and treatment.

Cavities are a very common health problem, and fairly simple to avoid – and treat. But if left untreated they can lead to a severe tooth infection or even loss of your tooth.

How are Cavities Formed?

Cavities are small holes that form on the surface of your teeth. The holes are caused by a mild acid that is created whenever we eat sugary foods. Bacteria in our mouth feed on the sugar, producing the acid, which then eats away at the hard outer layer (enamel) of your teeth.

While cavities are generally more common in children, teenagers, older adults, and even infants can get them.

Cavity symptoms Dentists in Midland Ontario

Most Common Cavity Symptoms

The most common cavity symptom is a general one: tooth pain. But tooth pain doesn’t automatically mean you have a cavity – it can also be a sign of many other conditions. It’s always best to visit your dentist to determine if your cavity symptoms truly are a cavity.

Here are the most common cavity symptoms you may see or feel:

  • Sudden tooth pain or toothache – cavities are often announced with sudden, sharp pain, especially when biting or chewing; dull, ongoing tooth pain may not be a cavity.
    Sudden tooth pain can also be a sign of a cracked tooth, loose filling, or other tooth damage.
  • Sensitive teeth or pain when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drinks – if you have a cavity, you may also experience a general feeling of tooth pain or sensitivity, possibly increasing when you eat or drink hot or cold food or drinks. Pain may also be triggered when eating sweet foods.
    Tooth sensitivity alone may not signal a cavity – many people experience sensitive teeth day to day.
  • Holes in your teeth – depending on where your cavity is located, you may see a hole or small “pit” in your tooth. A hole in your tooth – even if there is no pain – is quite likely to be a cavity. You should visit your dentist immediately.
  • Tooth stains – cavities can also look like a stain on your teeth, with the colour ranging from yellow to black.
    Teeth can also be stained from smoking or drinking beverages like wine, tea, and coffee.

If you suspect you have a cavity or experience one or more of these cavity symptoms, ask your dentist to examine your teeth and provide their assessment.

Treating Cavity Symptoms

Cavities can come with pain – sometimes a lot of it. While you are waiting for your dental appointment, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve the pain (if they are safe for you to use).

Other tips that may help temporarily relieve cavity symptoms:

  • Brush your teeth using toothpaste made to treat sensitive teeth.
  • Use warm water (vs. cold) when brushing.
  • Avoid hot and cold foods and foods that are sticky and sweet.

A cavity will not fix itself on its own, so ultimately your dentist will need to repair the damage. Your dentist will typically treat a cavity with a filling (filling the hold with a silver alloy, porcelain, or composite resin). If the damage is more extensive, your dentist in Midland may recommend a crown or even a root canal.

Tips to Avoid Getting a Cavity

The great news? There are many simple things you can do to help avoid a cavity. These include:

  1. Drink water after you eat – water helps wash away the acids in your mouth.
  2. Avoid sugary drinks like soda pop and sugary/sticky foods – the more sugar you eat, the more acids are created in your mouth to break down your enamel. Sugary and sticky foods like toffee or bubble gum with sugar are the worst – they stick to your teeth longer, providing more food for the bacteria that create the acids.
  3. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – be sure you use proper brushing techniques. A thorough brushing should take 2 or 3 minutes.
  4. Floss every day – use dental floss to clean the enamel surfaces between your teeth.
  5. Visit your Midland dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleaning.

Want to know more about maintaining healthy teeth to avoid cavity symptoms? Read our article Good Flossing and Brushing Habits for Healthier Teeth and Gums.

Time for a Checkup? Visit Midland Bay Dental

Whether you are experiencing cavity symptoms, or it’s time for your regular checkup, the friendly dental team at Midland Bay Dental is always happy to see you. Should you need a filling, don’t worry. Dr. Ranny Sidhu will make the entire process as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Contact us today to make an appointment.

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