Dental visits are among the most stressful and uncomfortable for virtually everyone. They’re not fun, painful, and often uncomfortable. But sometimes symptoms can be signs of a larger issue you need to be prepared for when you get into that dental chair. While most of the time cavities go largely undetected, sometimes, when they’re left for long enough, they can start to cause some pain and other symptoms that can be indicative of even deeper problems.

There are some obvious, and less obvious signs of cavities and tooth decay at work in your teeth.

Having these symptoms doesn’t mean you have a cavity or a deeper tooth decay, but it can mean you need to bring up the symptoms with your dentist for further investigation at your next dental visit. Some of these symptoms, however, mean you should see a dentist as soon as possible.

Below are some of the common symptoms of a cavity or tooth decay to keep an eye on

Sensitivity

This is one of the first signs that there’s something brewing in your teeth. Sensitivity to certain temperatures of hot or cold can be a sign that there’s a cavity starting to develop in your tooth. Sensitivity to pressure and chewing is also not a great sign for the possibility of a cavity starting to develop in your teeth.

Pain

Not all cavities cause pain. But, when they do, it can sometimes mean the cavity is a bit more serious than your average one. A cavity that causes pain can be a sign of a deeper rot in the core of the tooth. If it starts to feel very painful, you may want to prepare yourself for a more intense dental procedure than you initially thought.

Visible Holes

Cavities are very small. Most of us can’t see them with our naked eyes and many dentists only find them through x-ray. But, sometimes, they can be visible. If you see black spots in the grooves of your teeth that don’t go away from brushing, those may be cavities that are forming or have already formed. Bring them up to your dentist when you go next and have them take a look to confirm.

Related Questions

What Causes Cavities?

As your dentist told you as a child, sugar causes cavities. Though not in the way you maybe thought. The sugar and starch that is leftover on your teeth creates a plaque that attracts bacteria who love to feast on sugar. The acid from the plaque attacks your teeth and the bacteria continues to wear away at enamel and start feeding on the dentin beneath.

How Do I Prevent Cavities?

Start with brushing your teeth at least twice a day and after every meal, if that’s possible. Rinse your mouth out throughout the day and even drink tap water, which often has added fluoride. Visit your dentist regularly and ask about varnishes and antibacterial treatments.

Tooth decay and cavities are common but can be handled quickly when you know what to look for and when to go to the dentist. As the Holidays approach so do the treats that aren’t so good for your teeth and overall health so make sure to discuss any symptoms with your dentist at your next checkup.

Looking to get your teeth cleaned before the Holiday rush? Call Sedki Dentistry today and schedule a dental checkup. Our Commerce Dental Clinic is full-service offering dental treatments for tooth restoration, cosmetic dentistry such as dental veneers and braces, children’s dentistry and much more!

Dr. Sedki is an experienced dentist with vast knowledge in advanced procedures and is committed to the longevity of each patient’s healthy and bright smile. Call today for a Free Dental Consultation!