Cavities are the second most common ailment in the U.S., second only to the common cold. Tooth pain and sensitivity are common symptoms but may not show up until a cavity has gotten larger (at which point more of the tooth has been damaged). Fortunately, there are several other indications to watch for. And the sooner you know you might have a cavity, the better! By seeing a dentist in Cary for treatment early on, you prevent further pain and problems and have a better chance of needing easier and less expensive treatment (for example, a filling instead of a dental crown). Keep reading below to learn more about cavities and which symptoms can indicate having one!
What Is a Cavity?
It’s helpful to start with a basic explanation of tooth anatomy. Teeth are largely made of minerals like calcium, phosphate, and fluoride and have three layers:
- The hard outer layer is called enamel.
- The second layer is called dentin, which is somewhat softer than enamel.
- The soft, innermost layer is called pulp and contains the nerve.
A cavity begins on the outside of the tooth (the enamel layer) and progressively becomes soft or decayed. As it gets worse, the decay moves through the layers of the tooth and gets closer to the nerve, which is when you’re likely to feel pain and sensitivity. But there may be other indications before that stage!
Common Signs of a Cavity
While general tooth pain or sensitivity commonly occur, here are several other signs that you may have tooth decay:
- Bad breath – A cavity is actually a type of infection, which can give off a persistent bad odor (even after brushing and flossing).
- Visible “dark spots” or holes – If you notice discoloration, stain, or even a hole in your tooth, a portion of the tooth may be decayed.
- A loose or lost filling or dental crown – In some cases, a cavity will start underneath your existing dental work and cause it to become loose or even fall out completely.
- Pain when you bite down – Pain that only occurs when biting down on something can potentially be caused by a fracture or a cavity and needs to be evaluated right away.
If you notice any of these symptoms, call a dentist right away to make an appointment. They’ll do an exam and take diagnostic X-rays to see what’s happening in the deeper layers of your tooth. If they determine that you have a cavity, they’ll recommend the most conservative treatment to repair the cavity and prevent further pain and problems.
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh is a family dentist in Cary with more than 20 years of experience and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He knows that early cavity detection means less dental work for his patients and makes it a priority to find tooth decay as early as possible. If you think you may have a cavity or have any questions, he can be reached via his website.