Cavities are common, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to spot. Decay can be corrected, and with cosmetic dentistry, you can keep your teeth looking white and beautiful. However, it can be difficult to know when to visit a dentist. Here are a few signs you may be developing a cavity. 

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity 

1. Toothache 

If you experience a sudden toothache with no apparent cause, you may have a cavity. The inner layer of the tooth, or the pulp, can become inflamed due to decay, causing aching. Swollen or irritated gums close to the cavity can also cause pain. 

2. Pain When Biting & Chewing 

If you have a cavity or severe tooth decay, it can lead to inflammation and irritation of the tooth pulp and gums. Biting or chewing can jostle the inflamed area and root of the tooth, causing jolts of pain. Sharp pain can be a sign that the cavity is deep within the tooth, which could require you to get a root canal. 

3. Visible Hole or Pit

A visible hole or pit shows that a cavity has already formed or may form in the damaged area. Pain when eating can mean there’s a hole in your tooth, so look for pits when brushing. A dentist can fill in the holes to keep decay at bay. 

4. Sensitivity 

Sensitivity to cold, heat, sugar, or acids may indicate that a cavity is forming. When a cavity gets closer to the core of the tooth, temperature changes are more likely to affect the nerve leading into the root. 

5. Discoloration 

Black, brown, or white stains are a sign of weakened enamel and potential cavities forming below the tooth’s surface. Stains caused by cavities or food and beverages can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry but should be thoroughly examined first for signs of decay. 
 

If you notice any of the above signs, contact Brian Perelmuter, DMD, P.C. He will help you feel comfortable and confident with your teeth, as he offers tooth whitening, dentures, and other cosmetic dentistry treatments. With over 20 years of experience providing New Haven County, CT, with compassionate care, you know you’re in good hands. Contact the practice today over the phone at (203) 729-3323, or browse their website for more information about their cosmetic dentistry services.