How Can I Identify if I Have a Cavity?

Before determining if you have a cavity or not you need to know what exactly a cavity is and what type of damage can it cause.

A cavity, also called tooth decay, is actually a permanently damaged area in the hard surface of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Cavities are especially common in children, teenagers, and older adults but anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants! In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says close to 30 percent of American adults have untreated dental cavities.

Cavities left untreated can destroy your teeth and possibly create more serious issues. Identifying a cavity can be difficult because the signs and symptoms may not always be easily visible. However, there are some common signs that you should look out for if you think you might have a cavity.

Symptoms of cavities can vary. When one is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all! As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:

Hot and cold tooth sensitivity

Lingering sensitivity to sweets

Pain when you bite down

Visible holes or pits in your teeth

Toothache, spontaneous pain, or pain that occurs without any apparent cause

Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth

If you think that one or more of these signs are present, it is important to seek professional dental care. Fox Dental is here to help with your cavities. We can provide comprehensive services from diagnosis and treatment planning to filling the cavity itself. Our experienced team uses modern techniques to make sure you get the best results possible.

Prevention

Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities:

Brush with fluoride toothpaste

Visit your dentist regularly

Consider dental sealants

Avoid frequent snacking and sipping (especially with sugar)

If you think you might have a cavity, don’t wait to get it checked out. Contact Fox Dental today and let us help restore your teeth and give you back a healthy smile.