Common Symptoms of Tooth Cavity

Did you know that more than 80% of the population has at least one cavity by the time they reach their mid 30’s? A cavity develops from tooth decay. They are holes that form when acids in the mouth begin to wear down the tooth enamel. There are three main types of cavities: 

• Smooth surface cavities are slow-growing and have the ability to dissolve the outer layer of the tooth. Oral hygiene is the best prevention for this type of cavities. In some cases, proper oral hygiene has the potential of reversing the cavity altogether. 

• Pit and fissure decay cavities are the cavities that form on the top area of the tooth. While these are mostly found on the chewing area of the tooth, they can also affect the front, side, and back of the tooth. These cavities are quick to progress and therefore we highly recommend seeking professional dental support if you suffer from them. 

• Root decay is common amongst adults suffering from gum receding issues. This is because gum recession exposes the root of the tooth and acid can access this area to damage it. Root decay is hard to prevent and difficult to treat. 

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities can be developed due to several factors. In short, this is the process of cavity development: 

• The bacteria in the mouth thrives on sugary, starchy foods and drinks. The most harmful foods are candies, sodas, juice, cereal, bread, milk, and fruits). The bacteria converts these types of foods into acids.
• Bacteria, food, acid, and saliva begin to mix together to form dental plaque. Dental plaque is a sticky substance that coats the teeth.
• The acids in the plaque dissolve tooth enamel which creates cavities in the enamel. This is more prominent when proper dental hygiene is not practiced. 

What are the Symptoms of Cavities?

Unfortunately, the beginning stages of cavities do not usually appear with symptoms. This is why regular dental checkups are so important. However, you are more likely to experience symptoms once the decay reaches beyond the enamel. Some of the symptoms that you might experience are as follows: 

• Tooth sensitive when ingesting cold or hot drinks
• Tooth sensitivity when consuming sugary foods or drinks
• Mouth pain or toothache
• Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth that seems to linger
• Swelling of the face

What are Some Risk Factors of Cavities?

While cavities are incredibly common, there are certain factors that increase your chances of having cavities. The following are the most common:

• Having a dry mouth can increase your chances of having cavities. Dry mouth can often be a result of medication or certain health conditions. 
• Consuming sugary and starchy foods 
• Snacking between meals
• Genetics 
• Gum recession
• Having undergone radiation therapy for head or neck cancers

How do Cavities get Diagnosed?

Bi-annual dental checkups are your best friend when it comes to diagnosing cavities. As mentioned above, cavities tend to not come with any symptoms during their initial stages. Regular dental checkups allow the dentist to notice any changes in your teeth by using a number of tools during the examination. 

It is common practice for these appointments to also include dental X-Rays. These images are great at showing cavities before they are visible. 

How are Cavities Treated?

The treatment for tooth decay varies depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the options available to treat cavities are: 

• Fluoride
• Filling
• Root canal therapy
• Tooth extraction

It is always easier to treat dental issues early on than when things have escalated. Cavities are not exempt to this rule. Early detection has the potential to save your tooth. If you suspect that you have a cavity developing, please contact our team right away for a checkup. We are happy to help you resolve the situation before it escalates further.