When you go to your dentist for your annual exam, one of the main issues they check for are cavities. Decay occurs when bacteria and their acidic excretions wear through tooth enamel, and they may need more than a filling to fix if you don’t see your dentist when it first begins to form. Below, learn how to recognize the signs of a cavity. 

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity Forming

1. Discoloration

Discoloration caused by decay starts as white patches, as the outermost layer of enamel is eaten away to reveal the clean layer beneath. As cavities progress, they become yellow, brown, or black as the tissue dies.

2. Pits & Ridges On Your Teeth

Teeth are supposed to have mostly smooth and uniform surfaces. As the tissue is eroded, the surface will become rough and uneven. Ridges, pits, and even holes will begin to become visible over time if left untreated. 

3. Tooth Sensitivity

The inner tissues of your teeth contain nerve endings, but they’re kept safe from irritation by your enamel. When acids eat away at the enamel, these sensitive layers are exposed to items that trigger sharp or throbbing pain. Common triggers include hot or cold food and drinks, cool air hitting them, acidic substances like citric juices, and sweet foods like chocolate fudge.

4. Persistent or Recurring Toothache

The final sign that you have a cavity and need to see your dentist right away is a toothache. By the time a cavity causes pain, it has reached the deeper layers of your tooth and potentially the root. The pain can happen intermittently and seem to come back stronger than before, or it can happen without an apparent cause and not go away. Cavities also commonly cause pain when you bite into something firm or chewy, as it applies pressure to the sensitive area.

If you have the symptoms of a cavity, seek treatment from an experienced dentist as soon as possible. Ronald L. Rasmussen, DDS, serves Sacramento, CA, with comprehensive dental treatments, including fillings, root canals, and crowns. Since 1990, patients have counted on their practice to provide honest and attentive care, and they have flexible scheduling for urgent appointments. Learn more about their services online, and call (916) 689-1100 to schedule your appointment.