Brushing thoroughly twice daily and flossing every day helps to keep your teeth healthy and free from cavities. That said, no one is perfect, so how do you know if you have a cavity?
What Are Cavities
Cavities or 'Dental caries' are small openings or holes in your teeth caused by tooth decay.
Factors, such as poor oral hygiene, snacking on sweet foods, or bacteria in your mouth can lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Signs That You May Have a Cavity?
At first, as a cavity is beginning to form, you probably won't notice any symptoms. Because there are no early warning signs for tooth decay, regular dental checkups and cleanings are key to preventing cavities.
The fact is that cavities may be forming in your mouth even when you aren't experiencing any symptoms and your teeth feel perfectly fine.
It's important to catch cavities early. If left untreated cavities will continue to grow larger and you will likely develop some unpleasant symptoms such as:
- Sudden toothache or pain without any apparent cause
- Mild to sharp pain when you are eating or drinking anything hot, cold or sweet
- Sharp pain when biting down on foods
- Unusual tooth sensitivity
- Staining on the surface of your tooth
- Holes or small pits may be visible in your teeth
Contact your dentist as soon as possible to book an appointment, if you have any of the above symptoms. Only a dental professional can tell you for certain whether you have a cavity.
Prevention is always the best treatment! To prevent cavities, be sure to brush thoroughly twice daily, floss regularly and see your dentist at least once every six months for professional cleaning and checkups.
