How Do You Know if You Have a Cavity?

What are Cavities?

Cavities are small holes and damaged areas that form in your teeth. They start as a decay in your enamel that eventually leads to decay within your tooth!

How do they form?

The plaque that builds up on your teeth over time from eating and drinking will eventually turn into acid. This eats away at your enamel and then the rest of the tooth underneath.

What Do Cavities Feel Like?

Cavities can go unnoticed for some time before you feel the effects of one. But once the cavity worsens enough, you may experience:

• Tooth Sensitivity: Hot and cold foods cause a sharp pain in your teeth.
• Toothache: A prolonged dull ache or sharp pain in your teeth.
• Dark Spots: Spots where you can see a cavity directly on your teeth.
• Pain When Eating: Specifically chewing, may cause sharp pain in your teeth.

Preventing cavities isn’t tricky; with some simple habits and regularly scheduled appointments with your dentist, you can avoid almost all cavities. Brush twice daily with toothpaste that contains fluoride (to help strengthen your enamel), and floss to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth where brushing can’t reach. Limiting the amount of processed sugar you consume can also help prevent cavities. The bacteria that live in your mouth will feed off this sugar and produce acid that eats away at your enamel. 

Lastly, having a dental check-up twice a year can help your dentist look for early signs of a cavity before they become more extensive.

What Can You Do to Prevent Cavities?

Cavities don’t heal on their own, and the longer they go untreated, the worse they get. In the early stages, your dentist can fix it with a filling, where the decayed part of the tooth is removed and replaced with a durable material like composite resin or amalgam. But if the cavity gets deeper into the tooth and reaches a nerve, you might need a root canal to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. In severe cases, when the damage is beyond repair, a tooth extraction may be the only option. What Happens if You Get a Cavity?

What to Do If You Think You Have a Cavity?

If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait; early detection can prevent serious dental issues. Contact SmileCare Dental, your trusted emergency dentist in Annandale, VA. 

By understanding what a cavity feels like and spotting the early signs, you can take steps to protect your oral health. Schedule a dental checkup today to keep our smiles strong and cavity-free!