Signs You May Have a Cavity

The health of your mouth is critical and often an indicator of how healthy you are. However, your oral health can also impact your body's health when you have specific oral issues. One such issue that can affect your bodily health is cavities, which could become avenues for pathogens to get into the bloodstream. Cavities are quite common, but people often take too long to treat them, exposing them to dangers.

What Is a Cavity?

Your food usually has bacteria that build up on your teeth and form a sticky yellow film called plaque. The bacteria then produce acids, which are strong enough to erode the enamel, the hard part of your teeth. When the plaque remains on your teeth, the acids erode and create tiny holes in the surface of your teeth. 

When these cavities on your teeth are left untreated, they eventually destroy the structure of your teeth as they grow deeper. It leaves the interior structures of the tooth vulnerable to pathogens and infections that can make their way into the bloodstream. 

What Are the Signs of a Cavity?

• Tooth Sensitivity

It could be a sign of cavities when you notice that your teeth have become overly sensitive when you take hot or cold foods. Hot and cold foods can stimulate sensitivity when the acids erode the enamel and expose the hard inner layer called the dentin. This is because the dentin structure consists of microscopic pores that allow hot, cold, and acidic foods to permeate and irritate it. 
 

• Sensitivity to Sweets

Sweet foods and candy can make your teeth sensitive when you have a cavity. The sensitivity to sweet foods is a clear sign that you have a cavity that has just started developing. 

When you notice that you are sensitive to candies and sweet foods, it is usually a symptom that you need to see a dentist. This is the best way to prevent the cavity from growing too deep and affecting your oral health. 
 

• Toothache

Toothaches are the most obvious sign that you have a cavity, especially after you have eaten something. The pain or ache from a cavity may onset suddenly and independently or after you have something that can cause sensitivity. 

It could be a sharp pain that lasts and leads to discomfort in your mouth. It is also possible to feel discomfort and pain when chewing food with the specific tooth or side of the jaw. 
 

• Staining

Cavities usually cause your teeth to discolor, starting as white spots on your teeth and then advancing to darker spots. White spots appearing on the tooth's surface are usually signs of early tooth decay. Black or brown spots indicate developing decay, often leading to visible holes and dents in the tooth. 
 

• Pit or Hole in Your Tooth

When the white, brown, and black spots are left untreated, they will become visible holes in your teeth. You can usually spot these pits or holes on your teeth when you look at them in the mirror or feel them with your tongue. However, cavities that form on tooth crevices or between teeth cannot be seen or felt but usually cause the same aches or pain.

For more on signs that you may have a cavity, visit Above & Beyond Dental at our office in Bedford, Texas. Call (817) 571-1667​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.