Common Signs You Have a Cavity

Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues that plague the mouths of children and adults alike. They occur when the bacteria in built-up plaque eats away at the enamel of your tooth, causing decay, and, if left untreated, cavities can lead to serious infections that can affect your oral and overall health.

If you think you may have a cavity or two, here are some typical signs to be aware of.

What are the Common Signs of Cavities?

Increased Sensitivity

Do you feel a sharp pain when you sip something hot or take a bite of something cold? Increased sensitivity is a common sign that decay has caused the dentin below your enamel to become exposed, allowing hot, cold, and acidic foods and drinks to reach the nerve endings of your teeth.

Toothache

Lingering toothaches are never a good sign and often signal that one or more of your teeth has a cavity. Cavities can cause pain suddenly, when you eat certain foods, or when you bite down and put pressure on your afflicted tooth.

Staining

Another common sign of cavities is the discoloration of your teeth. You may notice your teeth look yellow or brown as plaque begins to accumulate, and later see white or black spots as the cavity forms and worsens over time.

Holes in Your Teeth

As plaque eats away at the tooth, small holes can form and be seen or felt when you run your tongue over the tooth. However, in some cases, such as when the hole is in a crevice between your teeth, you may not notice it — making it even more important to stay aware of other symptoms of cavities.

What Happens When You Ignore Cavities?

Cavities only get worse over time, so the longer you go without having them filled, the more serious they become and the more likely they are to cause serious oral and overall health problems. If left untreated, cavities can cause:

Sensitivity, discomfort, and pain that can inhibit you from eating or drinking properly
Abscess to form on the affected tooth
Infection that can travel to other parts of your body
Removal of the tooth if the damage is too extensive

Treating Cavities in New York and New Jersey

ProHEALTH Dental makes optimal oral health our primary goal and will create a thorough, individualized treatment plan to meet your dental needs. We have a team of highly trained practitioners providing preventative care, diagnostics, and basic treatments to ensure your oral and overall wellness are cared for.