Many people are surprised to find they have cavities when they visit the dentist. Instead of waiting for these professionals to detect decay, you should know a few indicators of tooth decay, so you can schedule an appointment to minimize the damage. Here are a few signs to keep in mind.

How to Tell if You Have a Cavity

1. Discoloration

Cavities that are just starting to grow tend to create a minor discoloration, making the tooth have tan spots. You may mistake these markings as food stains at first. Over time, the areas will darken into brown or even black hues without treatment.

2. Pain

Unlike general toothaches that may occur on one side of the jaw, cavity pain radiates from one specific area. It may hurt when you’re eating, drinking, or not actively using your teeth.

3. Bad Breath

While cavities worsen, they can create craters or holes in the exterior of the teeth that harbor food bits from eating and drinking. As these morsels go bad, they can collect bacteria that create halitosis or bad breath. You may also notice an unpleasant taste. 

4. Chips

Some people have tooth chips because cavities have weakened the bone and enamel. If you have a tooth chip, visit a dentist right away so they can assess whether the breakage was caused by trauma or an underlying cavity. You may need sealant applied to the chipped area to prevent it from becoming infected with bacteria that can cause a cavity.

5. Temperature Sensitivity

As decay eats away at tooth enamel, it makes the nerves more vulnerable. If you’re developing a cavity, you may become more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, developing toothaches after exposure to different temperatures. 

If you think you have a cavity, contact the friendly dentists at Lakeside Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Austin, TX, to schedule an appointment. The team focuses on doctor-patient relationships and creating individual treatments for everyone. Call (512) 249-5555 or visit the website for information on their preventative offerings like checkups and teeth cleaning, plus oral cancer screenings and sealants.