Dental News

Is That Pain in Your Tooth a Cavity? Learn How to Tell

June 25, 2018

Is That Pain in Your Tooth a Cavity? Learn How to Tell

Depending on the level of pain, a toothache can be one of the most difficult things to deal with. It can make it impossible to concentrate, impossible to sleep, and much more likely for you to be in a bad mood. One of the most common causes of sharp pain in the tooth is a cavity but it is not the only possible sign. There are some other signs you can look for if you want more clarity that it may be a cavity. Of course, your best bet is to contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 as soon as possible so we can give you a full exam and treat your cavities with fillings.

The first step is to call your dentist

This bears repeating: The other tips on this list are to satisfy your own curiosity as you wait for your dental appointment. They are not an excuse to skip professional help. If you do have a cavity then there is nothing you can do about it at home – we must fix it for you. If it is something else, then it could very quickly get more serious if not treated. Contact us right now for a dental exam.

One of the most common signs of a cavity is sensitivity

If your tooth is sensitive to hot, cold, and / or sweet things then this may be a sign of sensitivity. It’s likely that you would have pain even when you are not eating and drinking but you would also be likely t have an increase in pain when you eat something that’s very hot, very cold, or very sweet. As the cavity gets worse over time, you may eventually find a shooting pain when you bite down on anything.

You may be able to see the cavity

Once the cavity moves forward into being very advanced, you may actually be able to see it. If your back tooth has a deep pit or hole then this is most definitely a cavity. If the cavity is on a front tooth then you may see it as well. In these spots, they often look like a brown spot and are either light or dark. These signs indicate the structure of the tooth has become soft with bacteria. Though not always accurate, a general rule of thumb is that a lighter brown spot is a faster-growing cavity while a dark brown spot is a lower growing cavity.

You do not want to wait to have your cavity looked at

It is common for people to assume that since cavities are common, they can be ignored. The truth is that your teeth are essentially just exposed bones. They can be sensitive and can be hard to repair if they are damaged. Visit your dentist twice a year, brush and floss every day, and you will find the chances of getting a cavity decrease significantly.

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