3 Sure Signs of a Cavity You Need to Know

We’re all familiar with cavities. Brushing and flossing daily are essential for good oral hygiene and to prevent cavities from forming. Although we’re familiar with the term, not everyone knows what cavity symptoms to look for.

It’s important to know cavity signs so you can contact your dentist and schedule an appointment to treat it as soon as possible. Cavities that are left untreated can cause other oral health complications down the line.

How do you know if you have a cavity?

Continue reading below to learn all the signs of cavities.

• Constant Tooth Pain

Toothaches are sometimes unbearable. When the pain is constant, it can affect your entire day and productivity. Cavities don’t always cause toothaches, but constant tooth pain is a sign of a possible cavity.

Because cavities take time to develop and worsen, constant tooth pain caused by a cavity is most likely already damaging the tooth. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth examined. Try to find a dentist who can provide every specialty in-house so you don’t have to worry about visiting multiple dentists to ensure you receive proper treatment.

• A Visible Hole in Tooth

Have you noticed a small pit on the top or side of a tooth?

As a cavity worsens, it can cause a small hole or pit in the tooth it’s affecting. You should be able to see the small hole when looking in the mirror. You may also feel it when you run your tongue over the tooth.

Sometimes, cavities will form holes in a tooth between that tooth and another tooth. When this happens, you might not be able to see or feel the small pit. However, you’ll still feel sensitivity or pain in this area.

• Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

When was the last time you enjoyed a hot cup of coffee or a cold cup of tea without suffering from intense sensitivity?

Another sign that a cavity is forming is sensitivity to hot and cold. Take note of how your teeth feel when drinking hot or cold beverages. This sensitivity happens when the enamel on your tooth is weakened.

Without strong enamel on your tooth, your nerves are exposed, reacting to hot or cold beverages. You’ll experience this sensitivity in sharp pains that can’t be ignored.

Do You Believe You May Have a Cavity?

No one wants to learn they have a cavity, but when left untreated, cavities can cause pain and tooth damage. For this reason, it’s best to always know what symptoms point to one and then seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Read through the signs and symptoms in the guide above to help determine if one or more of your teeth are affected by cavities.