Signs of Cavities: What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
Understanding the signs of cavities early on can help prevent further tooth destruction and infections in the body. Among adults, 90% have had at least one cavity. Cavities are one of the largest unmet health treatment needs.
This article will outline the signs of cavities, how to prevent cavities, and what to do if you think you might have a cavity.
Table of Contents
Signs of Cavities: What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
Knowing the signs of a cavity is vital to making sure that you receive help as soon as possible. Finding the answer to ‘What does a cavity feel like?’ is one of the best ways catch a cavity early.
Early signs of cavities are:
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Tooth sensitivity to sweets
- Tooth sensitivity to pressure when biting down
- Spontaneous discomfort without any cause for it
- White, chalky appearance on the tooth
- Yellow, brown, or black areas on the tooth surface
- Visible holes or pits on the tooth structure
- Bleeding gums and gingival sensitivity around a tooth
What To Do if You Have Signs of a Cavity
When the cavity has progressed through the outside layer of the tooth, the infection will continue to spread until it is treated by a dentist.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you are possibly experiencing some signs of a cavity. Taking preventative measures before you can get to the dentist can help slow the process and prevent more sensitivity.
Here are some steps to take if you think you are experiencing signs of a cavity:
- Contact your dentist to schedule a cavity appointment
- Avoid sugary foods that will get stuck in your teeth
- Avoid chewing and any pressure in the possible cavity area that causes sensitivity
- Keep the area clean with good brushing and flossing habits
- Avoid hot or cold beverages by drinking room temperature water throughout the day to help neutralize bacteria
- If the pain is interfering with daily life, take over-the-counter pain medications like Ibuprofen, Advil, or Motrin and follow the recommended dosage on the bottle
Signs of Cavities and Dental Appointments
Now that we’ve answered what does a cavity feel like and what to do if you think you have a cavity, we can move on to what you can expect at your dentist appointment.
If you have present signs of cavities in your mouth, your dentist will use several steps in order to treat it.
- Dental X-Rays: Radiographs are needed to see inside the tooth structure to determine the severity of the cavity. It will also show if there are any other cavities present in the mouth that may not have any symptoms.
- Testing the Tooth: If the cavity is large and compromising the nerve of the tooth, your dentist may test the tooth to make sure it is still viable.
- Treatment Planning: Your dentist will determine the best restoration for the tooth based on your present symptoms and signs of cavities and the x-ray. Large cavities may need a crown to function properly.
- Anesthesia: The dentist will make sure you’re comfortable throughout the whole appointment. They will use a topical gel to numb the gums before numbing the nerves of the tooth. Some dentists have access to nitrous sedation to make you more comfortable.
- Restoring the Tooth: Your dentist and dental assistant will clean out the infected portion of the tooth. They will then build back up the tooth structure to function properly.
How to Prevent Cavities
Oral Hygiene Routine
Having a well-established daily home care routine is the best tool to fight future signs of cavities. It’s important to mechanically remove the food, plaque, and bacteria daily.
Brush 2 times a day for 2 minutes and floss every day. Using a mineralizing toothpaste will also help strengthen the enamel layer that protects the tooth.
Check out all of our articles on Oral Health to learn more.
A Balanced Diet
Packaged, processed foods present in today’s diet are a big culprit for cavities. Avoid foods with high sugar levels like desserts, sweetened beverages, and candy. Fermentable carbohydrates like crackers and chips also increase the cavity risk.
Check out our Dental Nutrition Guide for more tips.
Regular Dental Visits
Seeing your dental hygienist and dentist at least every 6 months is an important tool for fighting cavities. Dental cleanings are important to remove any old plaque and bacteria around the tooth and in the gums where the toothbrush and floss can’t reach.
Dental x-rays will also catch any cavities beginning to form, called incipient decay, that have a chance to remineralize with proper intervention. Our Breaking Down the Dental Cleaning article has additional information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cavitiy go away on its own?
No, a cavity will not go away on its own. Like any infection in the body, the cavity will continue to grow until it takes over the whole tooth structure and reaches the nerve.
Are all holes in teeth cavities?
Most holes in teeth are cavities but rarely a tooth can fracture presenting a hole caused by external forces. It’s important to see a dentist for any holes in teeth because it lacks enamel protection and can cause an infection.
Is it too late if a cavity hurts?
Absolutely not! If you have signs of cavities in your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist to prevent infections and continual breakdown of the tooth. There are several different ways to restore a tooth to its full function.
What does a cavity feel like?
Tooth sensitivity is a major symptom of cavities. A visible hole or major discoloration can also be a sign.
Take Home Smile Store
Visit our Take Home Smile store for educational brochures and other fun printables to help with oral hygiene. All products can be customized to fit your dental needs.
