My tooth hurts—does that mean I have a cavity?

It can happen to anybody—you wake up in the morning with a sore tooth and immediately wonder if you slept wrong or if you forgot to floss that pesky piece of corn out of your teeth. Or…what if that discomfort is caused by a cavity boring a hole through your tooth?

Hold on, what is a cavity, anyway? Cavities are one of the most common dental problems caused by bacteria eating away at your tooth’s enamel until a hole, or multiple holes, form. This can happen due to poor oral hygiene, an excess of sugar, poor genetics, or a combination of all three. 

Sure, cavities are a very common problem; in fact, it’s thought that 80% of Americans have at least one by the time they are 30, but that doesn’t mean you need to tough it out and deal with them. In fact, that’s the last thing you should do. As a cavity worsens, it can travel to other areas of your mouth or even your jaw. This tragic tale typically ends in missing teeth and a jaw in desperate need of care. The earlier you get tooth decay, or cavities, taken care of, the easier it will be to repair.

But that’s where things get complicated: cavities don’t always hurt at first. So how do you know you have one? Read on to find out.

Early Warning Signs of a Cavity

When a cavity first forms, it’s not always uncomfortable. As if that’s not bad enough, cavities don’t stop progressing, even if the pain or discomfort fades. The goal is to maintain a solid at-home oral hygiene routine that is supported by your regular cleanings with your dentist, so any problems that do arise don’t have a chance to get out of hand. But sometimes life has a way of throwing curveballs our way, and we miss a few appointments. So, what are the signs that you might have a cavity?

Tooth Sensitivity 

When a cavity begins to form, the bacteria eats away at the enamel. As it makes its way through this hard shell, it leaves the soft, sensitive part of the tooth, or dentin, susceptible. When you eat hot or cold foods, it lands on the dentin, sparking instant discomfort as you try to finish your meal. The thing is this is part of the reason why cavities don’t always hurt until it’s too late! 

Persistent Toothache

The toothache that comes with tooth decay can vary. For some, it can be a mild, somewhat irritating, discomfort—sort of like when you have a piece of food trapped between your teeth. And for others, this toothache can be incredibly painful, making it almost impossible to go about their day-to-day life. No matter what level of pain you experience, this typically means the cavity has made its way beneath the tooth’s surface.

Visible Spots or Discoloration

As the cavity eats away at the tooth, discoloration sets in. This can vary based on what stage of tooth decay you are at. Right in the beginning, there can be white spots splattered over the tooth. This is demineralization, when the enamel begins to break down. Over time, the cavity itself will become visible in the form of brown or black spots on the tooth.

Rough or Pitted Areas

As you run your tongue over the surface of your teeth, you want to feel a smooth, even surface. If you begin to feel rough patches on your teeth, that is a sign that tooth decay has settled in. If you can see these holes, you need to contact us at King Dental ASAP so we can get your teeth taken care of.

Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

As bacteria builds up in your mouth, it creates a bad taste in your mouth. As if that isn’t enough, this colony of unwelcome bacteria also comes with bad breath. You might try to brush it away with all your might, but sometimes it’s hiding in a place that only a trained dental professional can get to. As the decay worsens, this buildup continues, stockpiling more stink.

When to See a Dentist

Cavities don’t heal on their own, and they are notorious for not creating pain until they’re too far gone. Early treatment is the best way to prevent these bacteria-laden monsters from causing even bigger problems. Attending your regularly scheduled dental cleanings is an effective way to catch any decay before it has a chance to worsen. 

Achieve a Healthy Smile

If you want to achieve a smile you can be proud of, be sure to visit your dentist for a cleaning every six months. If you don’t have an appointment on the calendar yet, don’t fret; you can make one online easily. While you wait for this appointment, don’t slack on your daily oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day for two minutes each time and floss at least once! Daily maintenance and regular visits to the dentist will keep your smile happy and healthy.