Do You Know When You Have a Cavity?

Many people experience at least one cavity. Cavities are the result of tooth decay, and anyone can be at risk. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize your risk.

What Leads To Cavities?

Everyone has natural bacteria that lives in their mouth. When you consume sugary and starchy food and drink, such as bread, cereal, fruit, cake, candy, milk, or soda, those carbohydrates can stay on your teeth and interact with the bacteria to become acids. Together, the bacteria, acid, food particles, and your saliva form a sticky film of plaque, which clings to your teeth and starts an attack.

Over time, this acidic plaque can break down your enamel, which is the hard, outer layer of your teeth. The enamel dissolves, creating a little hole or fissure in your tooth, which is called a cavity.

How To Tell If You Have A Cavity

Your dentist is usually the first to discover you have a cavity when you go for a routine dental visit. A dentist has the expertise and special tools to look for cavities, including X-rays that can reveal them in hard-to-see places. This is why you should schedule regular checkups twice a year. If you don’t schedule your checkups or your teeth are vulnerable to decay, you might be the first one to notice symptoms of a cavity.

What Does A Cavity Feel Like?

Your tooth enamel doesn’t have any nerve endings, so if the decay is just on the surface, you might not feel anything. If the damage gets down through the enamel, deeper into the inner layer or dentin, you’re more likely to:

• Feel a toothache or feel pain when eating, drinking, or biting down.
• Feel sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks.
• Develop a bad taste in your mouth or bad breath.
• Feel the hole or crack in your tooth with your tongue.

What Does A Cavity Look Like?

Sometimes when you have a cavity, especially if it’s been growing a long time without treatment, you’ll be able to see it. You’ll know it’s time to visit your dentist if you can:

• See a hole or pit in your tooth.
• See spots or discoloration, such as a stain that is brown, black, or white.

Your Dentist Can Help You Treat and Prevent Cavities

In some cases, cavities can be caught in the early stages by maintaining good oral health. This includes seeing a dentist regularly, following their advice, and using a fluoride toothpaste or rinse.

By the time you can feel discomfort or pain, though, you'll need a dentist to treat you — which probably means getting a filling or other dental procedure they may recommend. It’s important to take care of a cavity as soon as it's discovered so the decay doesn't get worse, potentially leading to more pain, the need for a root canal procedure, or even loss of your tooth.

Finally, remember it's not all up to your dentist. You can help prevent tooth decay when you:

• Have regular dental checkups.
• Brush your teeth and tongue at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss daily.
• Limit sugary foods and drinks.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.

You can also enroll in a dental plan that covers your routine diagnostic and preventive services. You’re more likely to schedule those regular dentist visits if you have benefits through a dental plan.

The key is to take care of your teeth throughout your life, helping to keep your smile beautiful and healthy.