Cavities are one of the most common dental issues people experience, and they can sneak up on you. In the early stages, you might not feel anything at all. But as tooth decay progresses, your body starts to give warning signs. Knowing what to look for can help you catch a cavity early before it turns into something more serious (and costly). Here are the top 5 signs you might have a cavity, plus what you can do to protect your teeth.
#1 Tooth Sensitivity
Do you notice yourself wincing when you sip something hot or cold? Does eating ice cream make your teeth feel uncomfortable? Temperature sensitivity can be a key indicator that your enamel, the hard, protective outer layer of your tooth, may be wearing down. Once enamel weakens, the softer dentin layer underneath becomes exposed, which is much more sensitive.
What to do:
Don’t ignore your tooth sensitivity or rely solely on toothpaste for sensitive teeth. While it might help temporarily, it won’t treat the underlying problem. A dental exam can determine if a cavity or another issue is to blame.
#2 Toothache or Spontaneous Pain
A toothache that comes out of nowhere, especially one that isn’t triggered by hot or cold food or drinks, is a big red flag. Whether it’s sharp, throbbing, or dull, spontaneous pain usually means that decay has moved deeper into the tooth, potentially affecting the nerve.
What to do:
Don’t wait it out. Pain often means the cavity is growing. The sooner you see your dentist, the more likely you’ll need a simple filling instead of a root canal or crown.
#3 Visible Holes, Pits, or Dark Spots
Sometimes, cavities can be visible to the naked eye, especially once they’ve progressed past the early stages. You may notice small holes, dark spots, or rough areas on the surface of your teeth. If food often gets stuck in the same place, or the area feels sticky when you floss, it could be a developing cavity.
What to do:
It’s tempting to inspect these spots yourself but avoid poking or picking at them. Your dentist can safely assess and treat the tooth before more damage occurs.
#4 Persistent Bad Breath or a Bad Taste
Cavities are caused by bacteria that produce acids as they feed on sugars in your mouth. These bacteria can collect in the cavity as decay progresses, leading to unpleasant breath or a persistent bad taste, even after brushing.
What to do:
If brushing and flossing don’t freshen your breath, and mouthwash isn’t helping, it may be time for a professional dental check-up to identify and treat the cause.
#5 Swollen or Bleeding Gums Around One Tooth
While gum irritation is often linked to gingivitis, if swelling or bleeding is limited to a specific area near one tooth, it may be due to a cavity or root infection irritating the surrounding tissue.
What to do:
Let your dentist know right away. A localized gum issue may need more than a deeper cleaning, and it could require a filling or other restorative treatment.
Why Early Cavity Detection Matters
Cavities don’t go away independently; they only get worse with time. But when detected early, treatment is quick, simple, and affordable. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are the best way to catch issues before they become painful (or expensive).
Is it Time for a Check-Up? Call Eubanks Family Dental!
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or it’s just been a while since your last dental visit, now’s the perfect time to schedule an exam. At Eubanks Family Dental, we prioritize your comfort and oral health.
Call us today — your smile will thank you!
