If you are experiencing pain in or around a tooth, you may be wondering if it’s a cavity. Maybe you brush and floss your teeth regularly, so the thought of having a cavity is puzzling. However, if the pain persists, you need answers. Do you know how to tell if you have a cavity? There are some signs that indicate a cavity is present, and if this is so, you will need teeth fillings Dallas TX can rely on.
What Is A Cavity?
Cavities result when plaque eats away at the enamel of your tooth. This occurs when bacteria from food and sugary drinks cling to your teeth. Your mouth contains acid and when mixed with plaque, it will strip away the enamel then work its way to the inner part of your tooth.
A cavity is a hole in your tooth that comes as the acid eats away at the tooth. The hole from a cavity starts out tiny but over time, if left untreated, it will grow larger.
You may wonder how to know if you have a cavity. Let’s look at the signs and symptoms next, so you can know when to seek general and family dental services.
How to Tell if You Have a Cavity
We all know that when we get a cavity, it must be treated. But how do we know for sure if we have one or not? Here are some of the main signs of a tooth cavity.
Pain
This is the main symptom. You’ll notice pain when you eat, chew gum, or brush your teeth. You may have pain when you don’t do anything! If that’s the case, your cavity may be quite severe.
Sensitivity
When you drink hot or cold liquids, is your tooth sensitive? Do you get a sudden pain with the changing temperatures? That is indicative of a cavity.
Holes in tooth
As mentioned above, you will get a tiny hole in your tooth when you get a cavity. These holes are sometimes visible. Take a look in the mirror at the tooth that is bothering you to see if you notice any holes.
Odd taste or smell in your mouth
Since cavities leave a tiny hole in your tooth, it allows bacteria and food pieces to accumulate there. Bacteria and food remnants can cause an unpleasant odor as well as leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you notice a persistent strange taste in your mouth or bad breath, then a cavity may be the culprit.
Dark Spots
Sometimes you can actually see the cavity on your tooth. It will leave a small dark spot. Of course, some discoloration on the teeth may be due to other factors. So, it’s best to contact a qualified Dallas-area dentist to evaluate it.
Treating a Cavity
At Dentistry By Design, we use state of the art equipment to make your visit more efficient, successful, and gentle as possible. Some of our other services include:
- Dental Implants
- Clear Invisalign Braces
- Same Day Crowns
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Oral Sedation
- General Dentistry
Now that you know how to tell if you have a cavity, don’t let this problem get bigger. Contact us at 972.231.3013, and we’ll have your tooth feeling better in no time.
