No one wants to go to their bi-annual dentist appointment to find out they have a cavity. If you keep up great dental habits and visit the dentist often enough, you’ll most likely be able to prevent cavities. However, even with great habits, they can sometimes still occur. How do you know if you have one starting to form at home that should be checked out? Below are some common signs you may have one beginning to form.



Extra Tooth Sensitivity

While sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures may be something you deal with on a daily basis, it could also be a sign of a cavity if you don’t normally experience it. As your tooth decays from a cavity, the dentin in your tooth becomes exposed, which is ultra-sensitive material. You may notice that they feel more sensitive than usual, especially if just one or two specific teeth are affected or experience a surge of pain.

Pain

One of the most common signs of a cavity is pain in a tooth. It may be harder to do certain tasks such as brushing, flossing, biting down, or even breathing in cold air. This pain is due to the dentin and inner nerve of the tooth being exposed when it shouldn’t be. You should never be experiencing daily pain in your teeth or mouth, so even if it’s not a cavity, it might be a sign of something else.

Bleeding or Swollen Gums

It’s possible for a cavity to be near the gumline, in which case the gums will be impacted. The decay and infection around the tooth can affect the soft tissue, which then causes swollen gums. They may not be impacted until you brush, in which case you may notice bleeding that usually doesn’t occur.

Even if the swollen and/or bleeding gums aren’t due to a cavity, there may be another issue occurring such as gingivitis, so it’s best to consult with a dentist either way.

Small Pit or Hole in Tooth

If your cavity has progressed enough without getting it filled, it’s possible that you could see a small hole in the affected tooth. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity, or any other symptom accompanied with a small visible dent, there’s a good chance you may have a cavity. A dentist will easily be able to tell you if it’s a cavity or not, and fill the hole if it is.

Persistent Bad Breath

Dealing with bad breath isn’t enjoyable for anyone, and it can be frustrating when it won’t go away. If you have bad breath that doesn’t get better with flossing, brushing your teeth, using mouthwash, or your other usual methods, this could be due to a cavity. Cavities are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can usually have a foul odor to them. You may also be experiencing a consistent bad taste in your mouth that you can’t get to go away.

Contact Us Today

Just like any dental issue, the sooner you get it checked out, the better. If you do have a cavity, catching it before it becomes deeper or more serious will require a less invasive and time-consuming filling. Dental decay can lead to much more serious problems, so if you think you may have a cavity, we encourage you to visit our family dentist in Evanston to get it examined. We’re just a call, click or drive away, so don’t delay your appointment!

The post What Are the Signs of a Cavity Forming? appeared first on Stephens Dentistry.