Not sure if you have a cavity or if instead you just have sensitive teeth? Check out this guide to learn how to tell if you have a cavity.
It is reported that 92 percent of adults and over 40 percent of kids suffer from cavities across the globe.
Despite the greater emphasis that has been put in place to develop global oral health policies, cavities are still prevalent. They are common problems that affect people of different ages and at different stages of life.
A cavity affects the protective layer of the teeth. This provides an ideal environment for bacteria and plague to grow in your teeth.
When you eat sugary food or take sugary drinks, the bacteria turn the sugars into acid. The acid breaks down the tooth enamel affecting the tooth pulp, blood vessels, and nerves.
Affected teeth will have tiny holes, high sensitivity, and hidden crevices. Preventive and curative treatment is crucial at this point.
If left untreated, cavities can cause major infections and tooth loss. However, knowing how to detect a cavity before it gets worse helps you to avert a tooth decay or treat it before it requires extraction.
You can also avoid costly tooth repair and replacement procedures.
Not sure if you have a cavity, or if instead you just have sensitive teeth? Check out this guide to learn how to tell if you have a cavity.
1.Severe to Mild Tooth Pain
When you experience mild or severe tooth pain, do not put it off. This is typically a sign that you could have a tooth cavity.
The pain can occur when you eat or bite something hard. If the tooth hurts when you bite something soft, this is an indication of a progressed cavity. It is time to see a dentist. If left untreated, it can lead to constant unbearable pain and headache.
2.Tooth Sensitivity
Wondering how does a cavity feel? A cavity can begin with sensitive teeth. This is particularly common if you take sugary, hot or cold food.
You can experience mild or sharp pain, a tickle or tingle in one area of your tooth. This is caused by bacteria that thins down the enamel.
As the bacteria advances deeper, it affects the nerves making the teeth more sensitive.
A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help at the early stages of a tooth cavity. However, a progressed cavity cannot be managed with a toothpaste.
3.Tiny Holes in Your Teeth
Can you see cavities or tiny holes in your teeth? If yes, it means that a cavity has developed over time and you need urgent treatment.
You can run your tongue over your tooth if you suspect a hole. Alternatively, visit a dentist who will evaluate the teeth and recommend the most ideal treatment plan. Often, a root canal or several fillings can work.
4.Dark Spots
It is easy to spot a tooth cavity that has been left untreated over a long haul. Often, it will look like a stain or a dark spot on an infected tooth. A discolored tooth could also mean a tooth cavity.
Even so, you should be able to tell the difference between a cavity and a stain. A tooth cavity vs stain comparison chart can help you to understand the difference; to make wise choices on when to see a dentist.
Typically, if there is a dark spot on your tooth, chances are high that there is an invisible hole.
A cavity presents itself with a brown, black or gray spot on your tooth. It is a perfect way on how to tell if you have a cavity. A stain, on the other hand, is a discoloration caused by drinks and food. A stain is not sticky.
5.Bad Breath
As the bacteria that causes a tooth decay penetrates deeper, it can cause bad breath.
The bacteria spreads to your tongue and when you brush, you will feel a bad taste. This is a sure way to tell that if you have had a cavity for a long time. Regular flossing and brushing get rid of a new cavity.
However, if the cavity has been persistent, it is a clear sign of a serious cavity that needs to be checked by a dentist.
6.A Cracked Tooth
Accidents, extremely hard food and poor oral hygiene can cause crevices in your tooth. Bacteria can also cause cracks because it weakens tooth enamel.
The cracks can progress to the roots causing serious dental issues. If you suspect a cracked tooth, make an appointment with the dentist.
You can tell if your tooth is cracked if you get small or larger tooth chips in your mouth.
At worst, a cracked tooth can cause a severe infection or abscess. Visit a dentist to have the tooth filled and treated to avoid conditions that require extraction.
7.Pus
Pus is a sign of a decayed and infected tooth. It is a problem you should never ignore.
In most cases, an abscess will cause fever, severe pain and swollen glands. Know how to spot a cavity even with the smallest amount of pus that comes from your tooth. This is because an abscess can get worse with time causing more health problems.
A dentist will try to identify the teeth affected and prescribe the most effective medication.
Antibiotics stop the abscess from worsening by killing the bacteria that spread through the tooth.
8.A Visit to The Dentist
Still doubting, if you have a cavity? It is imperative to note that it some cases, it can be hard to tell if you have a cavity.
If you do not have the above signs and symptoms, this doesn’t give you a guarantee that you are free of cavities. During the early stages, cavities can develop with no signs at all.
Therefore, even if you practice good oral hygiene, it is wise that you visit a dentist at least twice a year.
It is during your visits that tooth cavities can be identified and managed efficiently.
Tooth cavities treated at an early age prevents major dental problems and helps you to save on cash. Remember, root canal and replacement of lost teeth can be costly.
Know How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy
A visit to the dentist twice a year is not only paramount when checking if you have cavities.
A dentist will also guide on what to eat for healthy teeth. Remember, the plague on your teeth is always waiting for sugar to arrive, to cause cavities.
Contact us today to help you get your teeth taken care of.