As a general rule of thumb, you should plan on going to the dentist twice a year—once every six months. However, if you experience warning signs of dental decay in between appointments, it’s essential to schedule a visit right away. This way, you can reduce the severity of a cavity and the treatment it will require. With this in mind, regard the following list of signs there might be decay brewing in your smile.

3 Signs You Have a Cavity

1. Discoloration

When the decay first starts to bore away at your tooth enamel, you might notice a tiny white spot on your tooth—which can be deceiving. Soon, the food and beverages you enjoy will start to stain this unprotected area, turning the spot brown or even black. If left unaddressed, this discolored spot could soon become a pit, which is a sign you need an immediate trip to the dentist.

2. Sensitivity

While some people are prone to sensitivity, those who don’t regularly experience it after a clean bill of health from the dentist should consider the sensation a warning sign. As decay moves past your enamel to the next layer, dentin, it starts to form a tiny passageway into your tooth, which allows hot or cold foods to make contact with the nerve endings inside. Especially sweet, acidic, or sticky foods can also cause sensitivity within cavities.

3. Sharp Pain

One of the most alarming signs of tooth decay is a sharp, shooting pain when biting down. This means that, as you chew food or grind your teeth, the pressure is affecting the innermost part of your tooth: the pulp. If this is exposed due to a deep hole in your tooth, it will become inflamed. In severe cases, the pulp will get infected and die, putting pressure on the underlying root. This root is connected to your jawbone, causing shooting pain throughout your head.

If you experience any of these warning signs of a cavity, make an appointment with Brian W. Charles, DMD immediately. This trusted McCall, ID, dentist will scan your smile with an X-ray to identify the presence of a cavity and come up with the right treatment plan for your level of decay. This family dentistry has been helping patients for over 30 years, so you can trust their time-tested skills. For more information on their general and cosmetic dentistry services, visit the website or call (208) 634-7653 to schedule an appointment.