5 signs you are about to get cavity

Your teeth are vital to your overall health and well-being, yet many of us tend to overlook early signs of dental trouble. Cavities are one of the most common oral health issues worldwide, and if left untreated, they can result in serious problems, such as losing teeth, infections or oral cancer. 

Are you experiencing discomfort but aren't sure if it's something serious? According to a report from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), over 90% of adults aged 20-64 have had cavities in their permanent teeth. Understanding these numbers underscores the importance of preventive care and regular dental visits.

In this article, we'll uncover five signs that a cavity is looming, with easy-to-understand tips that anyone can relate to. By catching these signs early, you can prevent a simple cavity from turning into a root canal or worse. Let’s get into it!

What is the First Sign of a Cavity?

The earliest sign of a cavity often appears as a white spot on your tooth. This is the start of enamel demineralisation, where acids from bacteria in your mouth begin to attack the outer layer of your tooth. At this stage, you may not feel pain, but the damage is happening beneath the surface.

This white spot is a clear indicator that plaque is building up and your tooth enamel is beginning to weaken. If caught early, you can reverse this damage with proper oral hygiene and treatments like fluoride, which helps to remineralise the enamel.

5 Signs You Are About to Get a Cavity

Let’s look at the five major signs that could be pointing to a cavity on the horizon. Recognising these early signs can help you take action before the problem worsens.

1. Tooth Sensitivity

Have you ever bitten into something cold, like your favourite ice cream, or hot, like a cup of coffee and felt a jolt of discomfort? This is a sign that your enamel may be wearing away, exposing the softer layer of dentin underneath. Once the dentin is exposed, your teeth become more sensitive, especially to temperature changes or sweet foods.

2. Persistent Toothache

Toothache is often a sign of deep decay. While occasional tooth pain might be linked to other causes like sinus infections or grinding your teeth, a persistent toothache is typically a sign of a cavity. Don’t wait for the pain to worsen; seeing a dentist early can help stop the decay before it reaches the nerve.

3. Visible Holes or Pits in Your Teeth

Cavities often create small holes or pits in your teeth. These spots might not always be visible to the naked eye, but your tongue can usually feel them. If you notice rough areas on your teeth or small holes that seem to have appeared, it’s a clear sign that decay is occurring.

4. Discoloration or Stains on Your Teeth

Cavities don’t always start as painful. Sometimes, they first appear as a discolouration on the tooth. This can range from white spots to brown or black staining. If you spot any unusual changes in the colour of your teeth, it’s worth having them examined to ensure it’s not the beginning of a cavity.

5. Bad Breath or Foul Taste

When bacteria accumulate due to tooth decay, it can result in ongoing bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Brushing and flossing might temporarily mask the issue, but if the bad taste or smell returns, it could be a sign that decay is progressing.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity in Adults?

Contrary to popular belief, cavities aren’t just for kids. Adults are equally prone to developing cavities, especially as they age. Adults might experience additional symptoms due to cavities, including gum irritation or inflammation around the affected tooth. This is because as decay progresses, it can impact the surrounding gum tissue, causing redness and swelling.

Cavities in adults can also cause chronic bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth, even after brushing and using mouthwash. These symptoms occur because bacteria thrive in the decayed tooth, producing sulfur compounds that contribute to foul odours. 

Quiz: How to Know If You Have a Cavity?

1. Do you notice any visible holes or pits in your teeth?

A) Yes, I can see holes or pits in my teeth.

B) No, my teeth look smooth and intact.

C) I’m not sure; I haven’t checked.

2. Are there areas where you can see the damage easily, like the tops of your molars?

A) Yes, I can see damage on my molars.

B) No, the damage is not visible to me.

C) I’m not sure where to look.

3. Do you feel rough patches or jagged areas on the surface of your teeth?

A) Yes, my teeth feel rough or jagged.

B) No, my teeth feel smooth.

C) I haven’t noticed any changes in texture.

4. Have you had regular dental check-ups to identify potential cavities in hard-to-see areas, like between your teeth or below the gumline?

A) Yes, I visit the dentist regularly.

B) No, I haven’t had a check-up in a while.

C) I don’t go to the dentist regularly.

Scoring:

• Mostly A's: You might have cavities and should schedule a dental check-up to get them evaluated and treated.
• Mostly B's: Your teeth seem to be in good condition, but regular dental check-ups are still important to prevent future issues.
• Mostly C's: It’s time to be proactive about your dental health. Make an appointment with your dentist to ensure your teeth are cavity-free.

What Can You Do for Cavity Treatment?

The treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Your dentist may go for one of the following options:

1. Fillings

When a cavity is detected early, a dentist may recommend a filling. This involves removing the damaged part of the tooth and filling it with a sturdy material like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain. Fillings stop the spread of decay and restore the tooth's structure, allowing you to maintain a healthy smile.

2. Crowns

If the cavity is extensive and has has compromised a significant part of the tooth, a crown might be necessary. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the whole tooth, shielding it from additional decay and restoring its appearance and function. Crowns are made from materials like porcelain or metal and are crafted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

3. Root Canals

When a cavity extends deeply into the tooth and affects the pulp, a root canal is typically the most effective solution. This procedure entails removing the infected or damaged pulp, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the interior of the tooth, and then sealing it to prevent further infection. Root canals preserve the tooth and avoid the need for extraction.

4. Fluoride Treatments

For cavities in their early stages, fluoride treatments can help remineralise the enamel and reverse the decay process. Dentists may apply concentrated fluoride to strengthen the enamel and slow down or even stop the progression of the cavity, providing a minimally invasive solution.

5. Tooth Extractions

In cases where the cavity has caused irreparable damage and other treatments aren't viable, tooth extraction may be necessary. While this is a last resort, it prevents further pain and infection. After extraction, other options like dental implants or bridges can aid in restoring the function and appearance of your smile.

These cavity treatment options vary depending on the severity of the decay, but consulting with a dentist early on can help you determine the best course of action and preserve your dental health.

How Can You Prevent Cavities from Forming?

Cavities don't stand a chance when you've got these prevention tips up your sleeve:

1. Brush Twice Daily with Fluoride Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is crucial for preventing cavities. Fluoride strengthens enamel, helps reverse early decay, and clears away plaque that leads to cavities. 

For kids, a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste is recommended. The American Dental Association stresses that using the right brushing technique is just as important as brushing consistently to maintain healthy and cavity-free teeth.

2. Floss Daily

Flossing eliminates food particles and plaque that accumulate between teeth and your toothbrush can’t reach, preventing cavities in those hard-to-clean areas. Daily flossing also helps reduce the risk of gum disease.

3. Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods

Cutting back on sugary and starchy foods is key to preventing cavities. Bacteria in the mouth transform sugars and starches into acids that wear down tooth enamel. By limiting these foods, you minimise the number of acid attacks on your teeth.

4. Use Fluoride and Sealants

Fluoride is highly effective at preventing tooth decay. To safeguard your teeth, drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste. Furthermore, dental sealants can be applied to the upper surfaces of molars to help prevent cavities in the deep grooves that might be missed during brushing.

5. Regular Dental Check-Ups

Visiting your dentist regularly ensures that any early signs of cavities are detected and treated. Dentists may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants and give guidance on how to keep your teeth healthy and cavity-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do my teeth feel sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity is commonly due to the weakening or thinning of your enamel, which exposes the underlying dentin. This makes your teeth more reactive to hot, cold, or sweet foods. It's also an early sign of a potential cavity forming.

2. What are the causes of cavities?

The causes of cavities include the buildup of plaque on teeth, where bacteria produce acids that erode tooth enamel. Poor oral hygiene, frequent consumption of sugary or starchy foods, and inadequate fluoride use are key factors contributing to cavity formation.

3. What causes tooth pain without a cavity?

Tooth pain without a cavity can be caused by various factors, such as teeth grinding, gum disease, or even sinus infections. Sometimes, worn enamel or cracked teeth can also cause pain without any visible decay.

4. Why do my teeth hurt when I eat sweets?

If your teeth hurt when you eat sweets, it could be due to early-stage cavities or enamel erosion. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria, which produce acids that wear down your enamel, leading to pain or sensitivity.

5. Why do I have a bad taste in my mouth?

A persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth can be caused by bacteria from tooth decay or gum disease. It can also indicate food particles trapped in cavities or other dental issues that need attention.

6. Can I clean a cavity at home?

While you can't fully clean or treat a cavity at home, you can take steps to prevent it from getting worse. Maintaining good oral hygiene involves several key practices. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste regularly, floss each day to clear plaque and debris from between your teeth, and use mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.

However, once a cavity has formed, only a dentist can remove the decay and repair it with treatments like fillings or crowns. Home remedies may offer temporary relief but won't eliminate the cavity. 

Key Takeaways

Cavities are incredibly common, but they’re also preventable if you know what signs to look for. From tooth sensitivity to bad breath, the signs of cavity formation are subtle at first but become more noticeable as decay progresses. Don’t wait for a full-blown toothache to get your teeth checked. Early intervention is the key to avoiding more serious dental procedures.

By paying attention to these five signs and incorporating a healthy oral care routine, you can stay ahead of cavities and keep your smile bright. So, next time you feel a twinge of discomfort or spot a white spot on your tooth, take action and see your dentist before a small issue turns into a big problem.

Your oral health is in your hands! Keep an eye out for these symptoms, and give your teeth the care they deserve to stay strong and cavity-free.

References

1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/cavities/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892\
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay/more-info/tooth-decay-process#:~:text=Brushing%20with%20fluoride%20toothpaste%20two,is%20important%20for%20preventing%20cavities.&text=For%20children%20aged%203%20to,sized%20amount%20of%20fluoride%20toothpaste.
4. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities

Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general knowledge. It is important to remember that it should not replace professional medical advice. If you have any concerns about cavities or related symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider.