Most cavities are fairly easy to treat with a simple dental filling, but cavities can cause a lot of problems if left untreated. That’s why it’s important to catch cavities early! Read on to learn about 5 signs you may have a cavity so that you can spot it early and treat it quickly!
1. Cold Food and Drinks
Many people first discover they are suffering from a cavity when they are eating ice cream or drinking a cold glass of iced tea or water. If you experience sudden or intense discomfort after eating or drinking something cold, this is one of the most common signs you may have a cavity.
2. Cold Weather
Just like cold drinks can trigger sensitivity in a tooth that is suffering from decay, cold weather can as well. If you are breathing through your mouth while outside in the cold and you experience sudden discomfort or your tooth begins to ache, it’s a good idea to check in with your dentist.
3. Chewing
When you have a cavity, lots of things can trigger sensitivity. Chewing is another trigger. Your teeth shouldn’t hurt if they are healthy, so if you experience discomfort while chewing, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
4. Discoloration
Signs you may have a cavity are sometimes seen instead of felt. If your tooth appears discolored in any way or if you notice areas that are whiter than usual, these can be signs of tooth decay. If your tooth changes in appearance, it can be a sign of more serious conditions, as well, so you should always call your dentist if you notice sudden or obvious changes to the way your teeth look.
5. A Spot
The easiest way to recognize a cavity is when it is easily visible on the surface of your tooth. A cavity is a tiny hole on the surface of your tooth. Often they are so small that they are not visible until they become more serious, so if you have concerns that you may have a cavity but don’t see anything different about your tooth, it’s still important to make an appointment as soon as you can to get it checked out by your dentist.
Call our Boca Raton, FL, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.