Do I Have a Cavity?
Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons to search for a dentist in your area. If you haven’t been seeing a dental provider in a while, a cavity could change that. At PMD Dental Care, we frequently receive appointment requests because of toothaches and symptoms of decay.
Poor oral health is one of the main causes of tooth decay. When you don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, plaque (a sticky layer of bacteria) can form in your mouth. These bacteria come into contact with sugars from the food and drinks you consume, turning these sugars into acid that can weaken your tooth enamel.
Left untreated, tooth decay can lead to dental cavities. While the effects of decay are often reversible, it may be challenging to reverse a cavity that has spread deep into your tooth.
Worried that you have a cavity? Here’s how you can tell!
Common Signs of a Cavity
Although there’s no way to know whether you have a small cavity without seeing a dentist, here are some common signs to be on the lookout for:
Tooth Sensitivity
f you are experiencing tooth sensitivity every time you eat or drink something hot or cold, it could be because of the damage caused to your enamel from decay. Sweet sensitivity is also tell-tale sign of tooth decay. If your teeth hurt when you’re drinking something sweet or eating dessert — and you can feel it in a specific part of your mouth — then it could be a red flag.
If you have sensitive teeth, you can visit our dentist to determine if you have a cavity or are dealing with something else.
Rough Edges
Your tongue is sensitive and picks up on the tiniest of changes. Rough edges are a sign of a cavity and the easiest way to determine this is by running your tongue across your teeth. If you notice a rough area that feels different than the same spot on the opposite side of your mouth, speak to our Port Melbourne dentists immediately.
Discolouration
Cavities can turn your tooth enamel different colours, such as brown or black. While discoloration isn’t always present when there’s a cavity, it’s not normal for your teeth to turn another shade.
Here’s how you can tell if discolouration is from a cavity or because of stains.
- Cavities cause visible holes in your mouth and are accompanied by tooth pain and sensitivity. Tooth stains, on the other hand, don’t cause visible holes or pain.
- Discolouration in the form of a spot on a single tooth or multiple spots across adjacent teeth can indicate a cavity. Tooth stains often affect your entire tooth or a group of teeth evenly.
Food Getting Caught
Is there a particular part of your mouth where you need floss or a toothpick after each meal? It could be because of food particles getting stuck in the holes or cracks caused by tooth decay. If you see a hole in your tooth and food getting caught, you must see a dentist as soon as possible.
Pain When Biting Down
Sometimes a cavity can make it painful to eat. This pain could be anything from a sharp pain to a constant dull ache. So, if you find yourself chewing on one side of your mouth because of discomfort, it’s time to see our Port Melbourne Dentists.
Bad Breath
This is yet another warning sign of a cavity, and it occurs because cavities provide the ideal environment for bacteria to grow in your mouth. So, seek the necessary care if you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing and flossing.
Schedule a Cavity Exam Today
When you visit us, we can check for cavities by carrying out a comprehensive oral health assessment and taking x-rays of your teeth. Regular check-ups are your best chance at detecting tooth decay before it causes cavities and severe damage.
If we find cavities in your teeth, our dentists will discuss suitable treatment options and create a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may involve fillings or dental crowns, depending on factors such as the size of the cavity and how much of the healthy tooth structure remains.
Contact PMD Dental Care to request a checkup or new patient appointment.