What Does a Cavity Feel Like?
Cavities are among the most common dental problems you’re likely to experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 90% of adults have been diagnosed with a cavity at some point in their lives. Unless you’re one of the lucky 10% who has never had a cavity, you may be wondering what the big deal is. You’ve also likely heard the horror stories about having them treated. But what does a cavity feel like?
Here’s what you need to know about the signs and symptoms of cavities, as well as how your dentist will treat a cavity.
What is a Cavity?
Cavities, also known as dental caries, are essentially holes in the tooth. A cavity is the initial sign of tooth decay. Due to the foods and drinks consumed daily by the average person, the acids within gradually wear down the protective layer of the tooth. Every tooth has a hard outer layer, known as enamel. Over time, your consumption habits gradually wear this down and uncover the sensitive layers of the tooth beneath the enamel. Anyone can experience a cavity. While correct brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings can prevent cavities, sooner or later, most people will need to have a cavity treated.
What are the Symptoms of a Cavity?
The main thing most dental patients want to know is: “How to know if I have a cavity?” Unless your dentist notices one during your regular checkups, it’s unlikely you’ll recognize the signs early on. So what does it feel like to have a cavity and when should you see a dentist? Since there are no nerve endings in your enamel, the early stages of tooth decay will not lead to any pain. Only when the soft tissues are exposed, do most people notice that they have a problem. So, can you feel cavities? Here are the main symptoms you need to know about.
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
Do cavities hurt and, if so, does tooth pain mean you have one? The answer is that cavities may cause tooth pain during the latter stages of decay. The dentin beneath your enamel does contain microscopic tubules which are filled with tiny nerve endings. The main method for learning how to tell if you have cavities is noticing if you’ve become sensitive to hot or cold food and drink. Sugary and acidic foods may also lead to sharp pains when consumed. So what does a cavity feel like? In this case, pain is often one of the initial signs. If you find yourself experiencing sudden sensitivity or tooth pain, visit your dentist immediately.
Pits and Holes in Your Teeth
Run your tongue over your teeth. If you feel rough patches, these are the holes and pits that signal a cavity. These can catch small fragments of food and worsen the problem. You will also see visible signs of these pits and holes if you look in the mirror. A cavity in the latter stages may even make your teeth feel hollow. Regular visits to your dentist can help diagnose these problems sooner.
Visible Staining
Visible staining doesn’t always mean you have a cavity, but black, brown, and white spots should be treated with some suspicion. While tobacco smoke, coffee, and red wine can leave a colorful stain on the outside of your teeth, white, brown, and black usually indicate a cavity. These colorings arise from the fact that when bacteria enter the tooth, the enamel demineralizes. It begins as a white spot but can soon transition into a brown or black spot.
How to Deal with Cavity Pain
So what does cavity pain feel like? Largely, it will be a sharp pain whenever you eat or drink. You will notice the pain worsens when consuming certain food and drinks. Advanced decay could mean regular, chronic pain. But why do cavities hurt? This is a matter of looking at the mechanism of tooth decay. The enamel protects the nerves within the tooth, so when the enamel is breached, these nerves are then attacked by anything that enters your mouth.
Follow these simple treatment methods to lessen cavity pain:
Take a Pain Reliever – Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help to address a painful tooth.
Use the Right Toothpaste – Use desensitizing toothpaste when you brush to block the nerve endings from becoming irritated.
Swab with Clove Oil – Clove oil contains eugenol as an active ingredient, which reduces inflammation, fights bacteria, and acts as an anesthetic.
Rinse with Warm Saltwater – Mix a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water, rinse away any remaining food debris and cleanse the area.
How to Treat a Cavity
Cavities can only be treated by a dentist. If you suspect you have a cavity, book an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will perform an x-ray to grasp the full extent of your tooth decay. For most cavities, a filling will be all that’s necessary. Larger cavities may require full removal of the tooth and an implant/crown.
What matters is that if you notice any of the first signs of a cavity, you must get treatment immediately. Not only is it better for your oral health, but a filling is much cheaper than replacing your entire tooth with a dental crown. The best way to avoid needing to visit a dentist for a cavity in the first place is regular brushing, flossing, and at least two visits per year with your dentist. Professionals can spot the earliest signs of a cavity before you begin to feel any pain. Spotting the early signs of a cavity could well save your tooth.
Conclusion
It’s important to know the answer to “what does a cavity feel like?” because if you don’t recognize the symptoms early on, you’ll likely end up acting too late. If you only seek treatment when tooth enamel has already been destroyed, the experience will be much more painful and expensive. Memorize the signs of a cavity and seek out professional treatment as soon as you see them.
If you need a dentist that provides affordable cavity treatment, the professional dental team at Gentry Dentistry specializes in providing a high-quality standard of dentistry in a comfortable environment. Take the hassle out of going to the dentist and get the healthy smile you deserve. To schedule your appointment with Gentry Dentistry, contact us today.
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