7 Proven Signs You May Have a Cavity

Cavities are a common tooth problem that is common in people of ages. A cavity refers to a hole or space that forms on the tooth. Undetected, these holes or cavities encourage bacterial infection in the tooth. If left untreated, the cavities get deeper, eventually leading to tooth loss or the need for costly procedures like root canals, dental crowns, and dental implants.

Generally, cavities form in stages. Initially, you may not experience any significant symptoms. Your dentist may detect cavities early during your routine dental checkups. Once the cavity has developed, you may experience discomfort and visible changes in the tooth. The longer you wait without treatment, the deeper the cavity gets and the less your chance of saving the tooth.

Do I Have a Cavity?

Below are seven signs and symptoms that may indicate that you have a cavity:

• Tooth Sensitivity

Your enamel protects the sensitive parts of your tooth from temperature changes like heat or cold. You likely have a cavity if you feel sharp tooth pain when taking your favorite coffee or ice cream cup. Once the enamel is compromised, the underlying softer layers of the tooth, like the dentin and pulp, are exposed, making it sensitive when you eat something hot, cold, or sugary.

• Tooth pain

The outer layer of enamel protects a tooth from damage and temperatures. Once decay has eaten through the enamel, the dentin and pulp are exposed. The pulp is the innermost chamber that hosts the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth alive.

At this stage, the nerves are exposed to bacteria and temperature, hurting your tooth. At first, you might only feel minor pain when biting down or touching the tooth. As the decay progresses, you will likely experience persistent and more severe tooth pain. A sensitive toothpaste can help reduce discomfort. Still, it’s essential to see your dentist near you for treatment.

• Holes in the teeth

If you can already see a hole in your tooth, your cavity has developed, and you can’t reverse it. You will likely need a filling or root canal to prevent more damage and save your tooth. You must see a dentist as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more the decay eats up the tooth, reducing the chances of saving it.

• Dark spots on the tooth

Dark, sometimes gray or brown spots appear on the tooth before the holes form. There may already be a hole you cannot see. The dots indicate that decay has begun eating up your enamel. Tooth discoloration can also indicate tooth decay.

• Bad breath (halitosis)

As bacteria penetrates the enamel to the dentin to the pulp, it causes decay, leading to bad breath, also called halitosis. While numerous factors like food can cause bad breath, persistent bad breath often indicates tooth decay or gum disease. See your dentist right away to get treatment and prevent further damage.

• Pus or a dental abscess

If you notice a painful pus-filled pimple, especially near a painful tooth, it’s a sign of infection, and you should get it treated urgently. Other symptoms like severe pain, fever, or swollen glands can sometimes accompany an abscess. Visit or contact our best Beverly dentist near you immediately if you have an abscess to prevent the infection from spreading.

• Tooth chips and breaks

You might be chewing your favorite piece of candy or nuts only to chip or break your tooth. Tooth chips and breaks expose your tooth to infections. Severe decay can also make the tooth more susceptible to fractures. Treating the tooth will prevent further damage and avoid tooth extraction.

Do you think you have a cavity?

If you recognize any of the warning signs we’ve discussed above, visit our dentist in Beverly, MA, immediately for treatment. For more information about cavity treatment and other dental treatments, contact Beverly Dental Group.