Do You Have a Cavity? These 4 Warning Signs May Point to Yes
Most Americans will have at least one cavity by the time they become adults. While they’re not inevitable, they are common. When a person is affected with a cavity, their tooth has a hole that’s exposing the incredibly sensitive nerve tissue inside. The acid that’s in plaque is eating their tooth away. The result is a lot of pain. If you’ve been concerned that you may need a tooth filling, read on to check out these four common signs of a cavity. Then reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to come see us.
- You have a toothache
- Your teeth are sensitive
- There are visible holes in your teeth
- Your teeth are stained
The first and most obvious sign that you have a dental cavity is that your tooth will hurt. In fact, though toothaches can occur for a variety of reasons, the most common reason is that a person has a cavity. Remember that when you have a cavity, it means there’s a nerve in your tooth that’s exposed. This can be painful and it won’t get better without dental help. We suggest calling a California dentist sooner rather than later if you have any type of toothache.
In some cases, you may not have a constant toothache but you could have pain that radiates through your tooth at certain times. This is called sensitivity. A cavity can lead to several different types of sensitivity. In some cases, it may be sensitive to hot or cold. In others it may be sensitive to sweet treats. If you find that you have pain when you take a drink of a cold beverage or a hot coffee, or if a bite of cake leaves you cringing in pain, then there’s a good chance you have a cavity.
If you’re beginning to think that it’s possible you have a cavity, grab a mirror and take a look. If you see any tine holes in your tooth then you may have a cavity – especially if those holes are at or near the spots where your teeth hurt. However, it’s important to know that not all cavities are visible. If you see a cavity it means that it’s already become significant. If it’s not yet visible, then there’s still time to get it fixed before it does much damage.
If your teeth have stains then numerous things could be going in. It may be that you drink a lot of coffee, that you regularly have wine, or perhaps you’re a smoker and your teeth are slightly yellowed. On the other hand, if you find that there are other signs of a cavity and your teeth are also slightly more stained, then it could be yet another sign of a cavity.
The bottom line is that if you think you have a cavity, it’s time to call a California dentist. At California Dental Group, we’re here to help. Contact us today online or at (800) 407-0161 to set up your appointment.
