If you’re concerned that you have a cavity, you should know the symptoms of cavity before you ignore them. While a cavity may not cause a lot of pain, it can cause long-term damage to your teeth if you don’t treat it. Symptoms of tooth decay vary from person to person and can worsen as the tooth decay gets worse. Depending on the size and location of the cavity, some of the most common symptoms include sensitivity to hot and cold food and gums, pain when biting or chewing, and brown staining of the teeth.
The first step in treating a cavity is to visit a dentist. You should see a dentist every six months, but some people may need more frequent visits. Drinking acidic drinks and sugary foods can erode tooth enamel and increase your risk of cavities. Eat foods that dissolve easily and reduce the amount of sugar in your mouth. You can also protect your teeth from cavities by using dental sealants. These treatments are temporary and can be very effective.
Bad breath is another common symptom of tooth decay. When the breath is foul, it means the tooth is decaying. Bacteria in cavities can cause bad breath. You can tell if you have a cavity when you smell it after you’ve eaten. Bad breath can also be a sign of tooth decay, so it’s best to seek dental care immediately. While some cavities can be treated with home remedies, they’re often best handled by a dentist.
The appearance of cavities varies depending on where the decay has occurred. They may appear as a black spot or a hole in a tooth. You’ll probably also experience pain during mealtime or after drinking. Eventually, the cavity will become larger and will cause pain and sensitivity. It will continue to get worse, so the sooner you treat it, the better. So, while you’re waiting for a cavity-free mouth, don’t delay and visit a dentist.
If the cavity is deep enough, it will affect the tissues surrounding the tooth. This will cause pus and inflamed gums. White spots on the teeth are another symptom of a cavity, as they’re the result of the loss of minerals on the surface of the teeth. If caught early, the damage can be reversed. Your dentist can use X-rays to find the cause of the problem. Once the symptoms are identified, you can decide whether or not you need to have it treated.
During a routine dental checkup, you can detect cavities early on and get them filled before they cause pain. It’s also a good idea to schedule regular dental visits so that you can have your cavity treated at the earliest possible opportunity. If you have any of the symptoms, visit a Memphis dentist as soon as possible. And remember, you’ll want to avoid tooth pain while you’re at it. If you don’t address a cavity, you may cause a larger one.
