9 Warning Signs of Cavities You Should Know About

Can you identify the most prevalent cavity warning signs? Are you aware that cavities are one of our patients' most typical oral health issues? Cavity symptoms develop when plaque accumulates around your teeth, thus dissolving the protecting enamel and causing holes in your teeth. The holes (or cavities) can trigger physical symptoms such as tooth sensitivity and pain. 

Regular dental checkups are the most efficient method to detect and diagnose cavities. Before cleaning your teeth, the dental hygienist will do a full oral health examination and, if required, x-rays to reveal anything that cannot be seen with the naked eye. If you realize you may have a cavity and haven't seen a dentist in more than six months, we strongly advise you to schedule an appointment with the dentist.

Continue reading to discover the nine warning signs of cavities you should know about.

1. Cold sensitivity in teeth

You may have a small cavity if you find your tooth becoming more sensitive to cold drinks or foods. Tooth sensitivity to cold is usually one of the first indicators of a cavity, signaling that the cavity should be treated with a dental filling.

2. Hot sensitivity in teeth

If the tooth becomes sensitive to hot beverages or foods, it might indicate that the cavity has developed to the point where the tooth is dying. Visit your dentist right away for the needed treatment. A dental filling or root canal treatment may be required.

3. Sweet sensitivity in teeth

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by temperatures, but you may also experience slight or intense discomfort when you eat or drink anything sweet. Teeth sensitivity to sugar is another possible indicator of a cavity and a signal that you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

4. Pain when chewing

As a cavity deepens and touches the inner pulp of your tooth, you may notice that chewing on that tooth becomes more painful. To avoid pain when eating, you can start chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. However, this is a temporary solution. Contact your dental clinic without delay.

5. Holes in your teeth

Small holes on the surface of your teeth are also symptoms of a cavity. On or between your teeth, tooth decay can leave holes or crevices. You'll notice that food accumulates and stays in these gaps over time. When flossing to eliminate the built-up food, your dental floss may tear.

6. Bad breath

It's possible that the garlic bread you ate last night has nothing to do with your bad breath. Another possible signal of a cavity is bad breath. When food becomes stuck between your teeth and in the holes, it can stink and produce bad breath.

7. Blood when brushing

If the cavity is somewhere between two teeth, you may see blood on your toothbrush. Gum tissue can expand into the new space formed by the cavity, so brushing can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed.

8. White spots on teeth

The development of white spots on the surface of your teeth is one of the first symptoms that a cavity is growing. The loss of minerals on the surface of your teeth causes these white spots, which should be fixed as soon as possible before it's too late. At this early stage, your dentist can help completely prevent the damage.

9. Discoloration of teeth

As the cavities and decay spread, the structure of your tooth begins to break down, soften, and erode, you may discover brown or black discoloration on the surface. These black areas are often placed between teeth or in your back molars, making self-diagnosing a cavity problematic.