While it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene and prioritize regular visits to the dentist, you should also be mindful of changes that might require more urgent attention. Among the most common concerns are cavities, which affect 91% of Americans over the age of 20. Recognizing the signs and seeing your provider for prompt treatment can help you avoid complications, including severe pain and tooth loss, so look out for the following.

How to Tell When You Have a Cavity

1. Unpleasant Breath

Decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth feed on residual food particles and sugars. For this reason, pay close attention to breath concerns. If they don’t resolve after brushing and flossing, the smell may be due to the excess bacteria responsible for your cavity. This could also be a sign of gum disease, which may occur when decay is left untreated.

2. Temperature Sensitivity

Both hot and cold can cause discomfort if you have a cavity. That’s because decay slowly causes tooth enamel to wear down, revealing the layers underneath. The closer the decay comes to your nerves, the more pain you’ll feel when consuming something cool or warm. While you can use toothpaste for sensitivity, your dentist needs to treat the cavity to prevent worsening discomfort.

3. Dark Spots

Cavities aren’t always visible, but you might be able to see a dark spot in some situations. Sometimes, these are just stains associated with dark beverages, but if they feel painful or sticky, or there’s a hole present along with the discoloration, it could be a cavity. It’s best to see your dentist if you see something dark on your tooth so they can verify the problem and provide the appropriate treatment.

Proudly serving patients throughout Hamilton, OH, Charles P. Debbane, DDS, offers a variety of dental care services to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. You can trust in Dr. Debbane and Dr. Laura M. Arnold, DDS, for everything from cleaning to extraction. Visit their website to find out more about their offerings, or call (513) 887-6654 to schedule an appointment.