Not all cavities give off symptoms. When a cavity is small, it may seem innocuous and not too much of a concern. However, as time goes on, it becomes an increasing problem. Therefore, if decay is caught in the early stages, you don’t have too much to worry about.
The Development of a Cavity
Cavities in their earliest stages generally will not cause discomfort. In the very first stage, in fact, the tooth may only show a white spot where demineralization has occurred. This can easily be remedied by a fluoride treatment and routine brushing and flossing. If the decay eats away at the enamel and reaches the dentin, you will need to get a filling. Therefore, treating a cavity when it is small will help you avoid experiencing some unpleasant symptoms at a later date. That is why it is also important to visit us regularly, or every 6 months, to have a check-up, cleaning, and exam.
Symptoms of Cavities
The symptoms of a cavity may vary, depending on the cavity. Also, cavities can develop at varying rates. However, that does not mean you should wait to have treatment, as decay, when it is not treated, will not stop where it is at. While tooth decay in 1 tooth will not spread to the other teeth, the conditions that caused a cavity to form can still impact the other teeth. When symptoms do emerge, they may reveal themselves as spontaneous toothache pain, tooth sensitivity, a mild to severe pain when drinking or eating something cold, hot, or sweet, or a visible hole or pit in the tooth. When pus is present, your tooth has abcessed, and you need immediate care. This dental complaint, which normally develops as a swelling at the root of the tooth, is representative of severe decay and an infection. Symptoms may also include a black, brown, or white stain on a tooth’s surface. If you feel pain whenever you bite down, you probably have a cavity.
Because all cavities do not give off symptoms, it is important to call and schedule an appointment for a regular 6-month checkup and cleaning. Be proactive in your dental care, so you can take care of a cavity before it gets out of hand. Call us now to make an appointment to schedule a dental exam.
