When do i have a cavity

And if they are left untreated, they can lead to tooth loss and cost much more money to repair or replace. Bacteria then eats the dentin until the bacteria reacher the blood vessels and nerves in the middle of your tooth. This is called the pulp. From the pulp, bacteria can spread to other areas in the mouth if you wait too long to treat a cavity.

The bacteria attacks more tooth tissue the longer you wait to take care of a cavity. In the early stages of cavities, you might feel pain when you bite down on something you eat like a piece of candy. In time, you begin to experience tooth pain when you chew on something soft, and when it progresses further, you will experience consistent tooth pain.

A less obvious sign of a cavity is tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth often resemble a cavity. It will feel like a tingle or tickle in your teeth at certain times. Your teeth feel sensitive due to bacteria that is thinning down your tooth enamel. Enamel protects the nerves in the teeth. When bacteria begin to eat through the layer of enamel, your nerves will make your teeth feel sensitive. At other times, it might not feel sensitive. If your teeth feel sensitive, use a sensitive toothpaste.

Some people do have sensitive teeth and you might be one of them. Cavities are permanently damaged areas in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well.

Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults. But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss.

Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent and location. When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:. You may not be aware that a cavity is forming. That's why it's important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings, even when your mouth feels fine.

However, if you experience a toothache or mouth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible. Cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that occurs over time.

Here's how tooth decay develops:. This is also true if you have a bad taste, or the taste of metal, in your mouth. It can be the taste of blood from the gums or the taste of the decay in the teeth. A sure sign of a cavity is marks or holes in the teeth. You may see black, brown, or purple discoloration on the top of your teeth when you look into your mouth with a flashlight.

You may also see holes or dark spots on the top and sides of your teeth. Do you find yourself avoiding one side of your mouth? What does that mean? When you have tooth decay, your gums get irritated and inflamed.

You may also notice that your gums are swollen or discolored. Gums should be a soft pink color. You may experience what feels like a burn from hot food or drinks, or a shock from anything colder than room-temperature water.

Cavities start small and grow over time. Not everyone feels pain or other cavity symptoms when they get a cavity until it has progressed to something more serious. Regular dental checkups help you keep your teeth safe and clean so you can ease your mind. Contact us to book your appointment today. Dara is a native of Colorado; she actually grew up near our office and went to Littleton High School. She has been with our practice for close to a year.

Dentin contains lots of microscopic little hollow tubes. This is what creates the sensitivity you feel. Although hot and cold are the most common sensitivities when you have a cavity, Dr.

Similar to temperature sensitivity, a lingering discomfort from sweets is often a result of damage to the enamel and, more specifically, the start of a cavity. An ongoing ache in one or more of your teeth can indicate a cavity.

In fact, pain is one of the most common symptoms of a cavity. Sometimes this ache can come on suddenly, or it can happen as a result of something you eat. This includes pain and discomfort in or around your mouth. You may also feel pain and pressure when you bite down on food. Stains on your tooth may first appear as white spots.

As the tooth decay becomes more advanced, the stain can become darker. Staining caused by a cavity can be brown, black, or white, and typically appears on the surface of the tooth. If the white spot on your tooth indicating the start of a cavity worsens, you will end up with a hole or pit in your tooth that you may be able to see when you look in the mirror or feel when you run your tongue over the surface of your teeth.

But you may still feel pain or sensitivity in the area of the cavity. If you notice a hole or pit in your tooth, make an appointment to see your dentist.