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7 Warning Signs of Cavities You Should Be Aware Of

If you experience certain discomfort, pain, or sensitivity in your teeth, it’s best to reach out to a dental specialist.

By Amelia GrantPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
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7 Warning Signs of Cavities You Should Be Aware Of

If you experience certain discomfort, pain, or sensitivity in your teeth, it’s best to reach out to a dental specialist. These are the most common cavity symptoms. If ignored, cavities can develop into more painful and dangerous conditions that need costly and invasive treatment. Large and deep cavities can expose the nerves in your teeth, making you require a root canal procedure or even extraction. Hence, gaining more knowledge on how to spot a cavity in its initial stage is essential to receive an appropriate and timely treatment. Cavities can be very hard to diagnose because they result in a wide range of symptoms similar to those of other dental problems.

Luckily for you, below are the seven most common signs and symptoms to look out for so you can receive health care without any risk-increasing delays.

1. Chronic pain

Persisting pain is one of the clearest signs of cavities and can be noticed in an early stage. While infrequent soreness in one or more teeth is typically not the cause for concern, a toothache that’s present for more than a few days typically signals a serious problem. It can be due to teeth that are irritated, chipped, or cracked. Any damage in the tooth can increase its risk to develop cavities and associated infection. Hence, if you’re experiencing constant aching, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Whether it’s a cavity or not, getting proper treatment and stopping pain should be your top priority.

2. Blood after brushing

If after brushing your teeth you’re spitting blood or notice bloody stains on your toothbrush, it may signal that your gums are affected by tooth decay. Decay may cause your gum line to become inflamed, irritated, swollen, and discolored, putting you at risk of severe gum disease. Your gums should be pink. If they’re deep red or even pale pink or white, it’s a sign that something isn’t right.

3. Bad breath and unpleasant taste in the mouth

Just like the pain, occasional bad breath isn’t a sign of something serious. Many people deal with some type of bad breath in the morning. Besides, many of those who eat lots of spiced and smelly foods know their breath can’t be fresh all the time. However, if your bad breath occurs frequently, it’s best to get it checked out. Your breath should smell neutral even when the effect of the minty toothpaste is long gone.

Bad breath usually occurs when food particles accumulate in tiny cavities in your teeth and start to rot over time. This problem can worsen as the cavity gets deeper and larger. It can even put you at risk of gingivitis.

If you have an unpleasant taste, or the taste of metal, in your mouth, it may be due to blood that pours from your infected gums or food residue that’s stuck in your decayed teeth. All of these culprits may result from cavities lurking in your mouth.

4. Visible spots

Telltale signs of a cavity are spots or holes in your teeth. Your teeth should be of the same color that’s off-white or pearly white (if you’ve undergone bleaching procedures). You may notice brown, black, or gray stains on the upper surface of your teeth when you look into your mouth with a flashlight. Dark marks and holes on the tops and sides of your teeth may also be present. These are all symptoms of decay, and you should visit your dental specialist ASAP.

5. Pain and discomfort when eating

If you experience pain while chewing or chew only on a particular side of your mouth due to discomfort, cavities may be the culprit. This problem can potentially result in malnutrition and decrease your quality of life. Avoid letting these symptoms get worse and visit a dental specialist right away.

6. Temperature sensitivity

If your teeth are constantly sensitive and you haven’t recently undergone any orthodontic or dental procedures, it’s best to consult a dental specialist. Cavities weaken your enamel, making any foods or beverages you consume cause stinging discomfort or even pain. You may feel burning sensations in your teeth when eating anything hot and shock when consuming anything colder than room temperature.

7. No symptoms at all

Did you know that cavities can develop without causing any symptoms? Not every person experiences pain or other cavity symptoms when they get one until it progresses to something more dangerous. Cavities start small and eventually become larger. Minor holes in your teeth may repair themselves. However, if they’re ignored, you’ll likely continue the behavior that’s causing them in the first place. The formation of the cavity can be prevented with thorough and regular dental hygiene, fluoride treatment, and routine dental cleanings. It’s essential to visit your dentist at least two or three times annually to identify and stop teeth-damaging habits before the onset of cavities. Routine dental appointments also help diagnose a cavity in its early stage to avoid going through pain and discomfort in the future.

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About the Creator

Amelia Grant

I am journalist, and blogger.

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