How do you when you have a cavity

Instead, a dark spot, usually gray, brown or black. If you see this spot, bacteria has begun to make its way into your enamel. Seeing a dark spot is a sure way how to know if you have a cavity. As your tooth decays bacteria spreads and penetrates the tooth. This leads to bad breath, also called halitosis. This same bacteria that makes a cavity causes bad breath. You might notice it when you brush your teeth or your tongue. If you have halitosis, visit a dental professional.

You might have a bad cavity. The sooner you address it, the sooner you can fix it and the less money your dental treatment will cost you. An abscess can cause extreme pain, a fever and even make your glands swell. Tend to pus immediately. It should not be ignored or overlooked. Your dentist can help stop the pus and to prevent the abscess from getting worse by prescribing an antibiotic.

An antibiotic can kill the bacteria that has spread through your tooth. It can also prevent it from spreading through other nearby areas of your mouth. If you have a chip in your tooth or your tooth has a larger break, you might have a cavity. This can happen when you might down on something hard or eat something chewy like a piece of candy.

If your tooth is chipped or broken, your cavity needs to be treated before it breaks the rest of the tooth. At worst, when bacteria causes a tooth to break too much, it may not be able to be saved. You may need to have an extraction at worst. Now you know the signs and how to tell if you have a cavity. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission.

The health of your teeth is key to your overall health. Preventing tooth decay or cavities is one of the most important ways to keep your teeth in good condition and to prevent other complications. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, close to 30 percent of American adults have untreated dental cavities.

Cavities left untreated can destroy your teeth and possibly create more serious issues. When food and bacteria build up in your teeth, it can form plaque. The bacteria in plaque produce acids that have the ability to erode the enamel on the surface of your teeth.

Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can help get rid of the sticky plaque. If the plaque is allowed to build up, it can continue to eat away at your teeth and create cavities. A cavity forms a hole in your tooth. If left untreated, a cavity can eventually destroy your tooth. An untreated cavity can also create more serious complications, like a tooth abscess or an infection that gets into your bloodstream, which can be life threatening.

Frequently eating foods that tend to cling to your teeth may also increase your risk of a cavity. Some examples of these foods include:. Although cavities are more common among children, adults are still at risk — especially as gums begin to recede away from the teeth, which exposes the roots to plaque. There are several signs that may indicate the beginning of a cavity. There are also a number of red flags that an existing cavity is getting larger.

When the enamel on your tooth starts to wear away, it can affect the dentin, which is the hard tissue layer below the enamel. Dentin contains lots of microscopic little hollow tubes. Brushing twice a day and getting into the habit of flossing can have a positive impact on your teeth and improve the health of your mouth. Regularly rinsing with mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria and plaque.

No Insurance? The cleaning is designed to help get rid of hardened plaque and tartar from the mouth while the exam helps to check for signs of cavities. By being proactive with your dental health and keeping up with bi-annual appointments, you can be sure to catch cavities as early as possible. Anytime 7am - 11am 11am - 3pm 3pm - 7pm Want a Faster Booking Experience? Got it, thanks! What Are Dental Cavities? Common Signs and Symptoms of Cavities Cavities can often be detected with a routine dental exam.

Some of the most common signs of a cavity include: 1. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold As the decay continues to infiltrate the tooth, the dentin becomes exposed. Holes or Craters on Teeth The bacteria that is present with a cavity eventually eat into the tooth, causing small holes and pits in the enamel. Anytime 7am - 11am 11am - 3pm 3pm - 7pm. Want a Faster Booking Experience? Date of Birth. Patient Type Select Status New Patient Existing Patient.

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