Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and they can sneak up on you if you’re not paying attention. Left untreated, a small cavity can turn into a bigger problem that requires more than just a simple filling.
The good news? Our team at Imagine Dental can treat tooth decay quickly and comfortably to keep your smile healthy and strong with preventive care and tooth decay treatments in Phoenix and Ahwatukee.
Here are five signs you may have a cavity, and what to do next if you’re noticing any of them.
1. Tooth Sensitivity, Especially to Sweet or Acidic Foods
The nerves inside our teeth give us important feedback when we’re biting and chewing. Unfortunately, they can also make our teeth sensitive to shifts such as temperature changes (which is why many of us avoid biting into popsicles) or changes in pH (such as when eating pineapple or chocolate).
Here’s advice from Dr.Geroulis about tooth sensitivity: “This is a concern that warrants coming in for an exam. When sensitivity occurs in a tooth that wasn’t always sensitive, it could mean that the tooth has a cavity, but there are several other things that can cause sensitivity.”
While strong enamel should keep tooth sensitivity to a minimum, cavities leave the nerves exposed. If you notice new or increased sensitivity in one area, especially when you eat or drink something sweet or acidic, don’t just switch to chewing on the other side of your mouth!
Make an appointment with your dentist to get it checked out because you may be developing a cavity.
2. Toothache or Random Pain
Cavities don’t always cause pain right away, and they don’t always make the tooth sensitive. Unfortunately, tooth decay can progress for a long time before you start to feel it. However, once the decay gets near the pulp chamber inside the tooth, it will likely start talking.
You may notice a dull and persistent ache or a sudden, sharp jolt of pain. The important thing is to remember that tooth pain is never normal. Whether it’s constant or it comes and goes, a toothache is your body’s way of letting you know something’s not right.
3. Chalky White Spots on Your Teeth
When most of us think of cavities, we may picture dark brown or black spots, or large holes in the teeth. However, your enamel may show signs of developing decay long before it gets to that point. Tooth decay is a progressive process that starts when minerals in the teeth break down. This generally happens when bacteria digest sugars and starches and produce acid as a waste product.
As acids dissolve calcium, phosphate, and other minerals in the enamel, it can leave a chalky white spot that’s brighter than the surrounding enamel. In some cases, we may be able to stop the cavity from progressing if we can intervene at this point.
4. Visible Pitting, Holes, or Dark Areas on Your Teeth
Without timely treatment to strengthen the tooth and reinforce decalcified areas, the cavity will progress and damage more of the tooth structure. This can create visible dark brown or black areas, especially in the chewing surfaces of the molars.
You may also notice holes, pitting, or rough areas of enamel along the gum line, where one tooth touches its neighbor, or in the grooves of your back teeth.
Untreated decay can lead to catastrophic structural failure of the enamel and allow a tooth to “cave in,” or become so weak that it fractures and large pieces of tooth structure break away.
5. Bad Breath or Foul Tastes That Won’t Go Away
Oral bacteria can cause persistent bad breath. As a cavity deepens, it can trap food particles and bacteria where your toothbrush and floss won’t be able to remove them effectively. Coupled with odors from the decaying tooth structure itself, this can leave you with a pungent odor or sour taste in your mouth.
Regular brushing and flossing helps, but if malodor or bad tastes stick around even after thoroughly cleansing your teeth, there may be something else going on. Infections can also cause malodor and foul tastes, so it’s important to get a check-up if you notice problems like this.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Cavity?
The sooner a cavity is treated, the better. Early-stage cavities can often be fixed with a small filling. Waiting too long can lead to bigger fillings, root canals, or even tooth loss.
The typical cavity treatment steps include:
- A quick exam and X-rays to confirm the diagnosis
- Thorough numbing to ensure a comfortable process
- Removal of the decayed part of the tooth
- Placement of a filling to seal and protect the tooth
If you have dental anxiety or feel hesitant about getting a filling, don’t worry. Our team at Imagine Dental specializes in providing quick, comfortable, tooth-colored fillings in Phoenix and Ahwatukee. We’ll carefully match the filling material to your natural tooth shade so one will even know it’s there!
Remember, cavities are progressive and the earlier you get it addressed, the less damage, discomfort, and expense you’ll need to worry about it. Delaying care only gives the cavity time to grow larger and more painful.
Think You Might Need a Filling in Phoenix or Ahwatukee? Talk to Us!
If you notice any of these signs, you don’t have to wait until the pain gets worse. A quick visit to our state-of-the-art dental offices near you can stop a cavity in its tracks and save you time, money, and discomfort down the road.
Get in touch to book your next dental check-up or dental filling appointment and keep your smile healthy, strong, and pain-free.
