At Surdel Dental Centre our dentists understand that even when you try hard to keep your teeth and gums healthy, cavities can strike. But how will you know if you have a cavity? Here are some of the key signs and symptoms that can indicate that you have a cavity.
What are Cavities?
A cavity is a small hole that can develop in a tooth due to ongoing tooth decay. Snacking on sweet foods, natural bacteria in your mouth, and poor oral hygiene are all factors that can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Spotting & Treating Cavities Early
In the early stages, as a cavity develops there are no detectable signs that anything is wrong with your tooth. Which means that, even when you aren't experiencing any symptoms, and your teeth feel great, cavities may be forming. Regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months give your dentist and hygienist an opportunity to check your teeth for the earliest signs of tooth decay and cavities.
These twice yearly dental cleanings and checkups mean that if you are developing a cavity, your dentist can recommend treatment which can help you to avoid further damage to your tooth. If cavities are left untreated they will continue to grow and become more serious, until you begin to develop painful and unpleasant symptoms.
If you have a cavity you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- A sharp pain when biting down on foods
- Mild to sharp pain when you are eating or drinking anything sweet, hot, or cold
- Sudden tooth pain without any obvious cause
- Small holes may be visible in your tooth
- Staining on the surface of your tooth
- Unusual tooth sensitivity
If you have any of the above symptoms, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment. Your dentist can diagnose and treat cavities before they cause more serious damage to your oral health.
It's also important to remember that, when it comes to tooth decay, prevention is always better than treatment! To keep your smile healthy and bright, brush your teeth thoroughly twice daily, floss regularly and see your dentist at least once every six months for checkups and professional hygiene cleanings.