I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Cavities are one of the best-known dental ailments. They are the result of the acids released by oral bacteria when those bacteria feed on excess sugar. Many people develop cavities at some point in their life, but thankfully, dentists are very well-versed in treating those cavities with fillings. There is, however, one thing people often ask about cavities: how do you know if you have one? The best approach is to see a dentist, as they can detect cavities using X-rays, mirrors, and their own eyes. However, you should also look out for the following signs that you have a dental cavity.
Tooth Pain
Cavities do not always cause pain right away. At first, they are just tiny divots in your enamel. As the cavity grows larger, however, the decay may move into the dentin, which is a more sensitive layer of your tooth closer to your dental nerves. At this point, you may feel some pain in a tooth. The pain may be a constant, low-level ache, or it might be a sharper pain that arises when you bite into something or drink a cold drink. It depends on the location and depth of the cavity. Either way, this discomfort will go away when the cavity is filled.
Bad Breath
The oral bacteria that cause cavities are stinky. When you have a cavity, you may notice that your bad breath is more persistent. It may not go away when you brush your teeth or use mouthwash. Your partner or friends may also comment that your breath smells bad, or you may notice them moving away from you when you are talking. There are other possible causes of bad breath, too, but you should absolutely have your dentist check for a cavity if your mouth stinks.
Dark Spots
Do not assume that the absence of dark spots on your teeth means you do not have cavities. They can also occur between your teeth and on your upper molars where you cannot easily see them. However, if you do see a dark spot anywhere on your tooth, there is a good chance that spot is a cavity. The spot may not be black or brown. It may just be a yellowy or darker cream color than the rest of your tooth.
If you notice any of these issues above, you may have a cavity. A dentist can look at your mouth and tell you for sure. For more information on cavities, contact a professional near you.
Share3 August 2023
