Cavities are one of the most common dental problems, and one of the easiest to ignore until they’re painful. But catching a cavity early can save you from bigger issues down the road (like root canals or tooth loss). If you’ve ever wondered how to know if you have a cavity, here are five signs it’s time to pay attention.
1. Tooth Sensitivity That Won’t Quit
One of the earliest and most common signs of a developing cavity is persistent tooth sensitivity. This isn't just a fleeting discomfort; it's a consistent twinge or sharp pain that occurs when you consume hot beverages like coffee, cold drinks, or ice cream, or even sweet foods. This type of sensitivity often indicates that the enamel, the protective outer layer of your tooth, has begun to erode, exposing the more sensitive dentin underneath.
As a cavity deepens, this sensitivity can become more pronounced and frequent, signaling that the tooth’s nerve is being affected. Don't dismiss lingering sensitivity as just a minor annoyance; it could be your tooth's cry for help.
2. Visible Spots or Discoloration
Cavities don't always manifest as obvious holes right away. In their initial stages, they often appear as subtle changes in the tooth's surface. Look for white, brown, or even dark spots that don't disappear with regular brushing. White spots can indicate demineralization, an early stage of decay where the enamel loses vital minerals.
As the cavity progresses, these spots may darken to a brown or black color. These discolorations are often a result of bacteria and food particles getting trapped in areas where enamel has started to break down. While it can be tricky to spot these changes on your own, especially on molars, a diligent examination in good lighting can reveal these early warnings.
3. Persistent Bad Breath or a Bad Taste
Beyond the aesthetic concerns, cavities can also impact your oral hygiene in less apparent ways. When bacteria accumulate within a cavity, they can produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to persistent bad breath (halitosis) that doesn't improve with brushing or mouthwash.
The decay process can also create an unpleasant or metallic taste in your mouth, even after you've brushed your teeth. This is often due to the breakdown of tooth structure and the presence of bacterial waste products. If you find yourself constantly battling bad breath or an odd taste despite a thorough oral hygiene routine, a hidden cavity could be the culprit.
4. Tooth Pain or Pressure
Perhaps the most unmistakable sign of a cavity is pain. This can manifest in various ways: a sharp, sudden pain when biting down or chewing, or a dull, throbbing ache that lingers and doesn't seem to subside. The intensity of the pain often corresponds to the depth of the cavity. When the decay reaches the dentin, you might experience sensitivity, but once it penetrates further to the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), the pain can become excruciating.
It’s crucial not to wait for the pain to become unbearable. Even mild, intermittent pain warrants a dental visit, as it can prevent a small, manageable cavity from developing into a more complex issue that requires extensive treatment.
5. Gum Swelling Near One Tooth
While cavities directly affect the tooth, their impact can sometimes extend to the surrounding gum tissue. If you notice localized redness, swelling, or tenderness around a single tooth, it could be a sign that bacteria from a deep cavity are irritating or even infecting the gum tissue. The inflammation can also be a result of food particles getting trapped in the cavity and causing gum irritation.
Left unaddressed, this localized inflammation can progress into a more widespread gum infection or even an abscess, which is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Any unexplained gum swelling or tenderness focused on a specific tooth should be promptly investigated by a dentist.
When to Visit The Gleamery
If you’re noticing any of these signs, or if it’s simply been a while since your last exam, there’s no time like the present to book an appointment. At The Gleamery, we offer gentle cleanings and comprehensive exams designed to detect cavities early and maintain your smile's health.
As part of every service, you’ll also receive free Anti-Cavity Therapy (Curodont Protect), a cutting-edge treatment with two options to strengthen enamel and help stop cavities in their tracks. It only takes five minutes, with no drilling, needles, or downtime.
Protect
For guests looking to strengthen their teeth.
- Helps minimize tooth sensitivity
- Reinforces enamel to help prevent cavities
- Applied in-studio or available to take home
- Great for high-risk zones and long-term care
Repair
For early cavities confirmed by exam & X-rays.
- Heals initial enamel breakdown
- Reverses white spot lesions
- Quick 5-minute in-office application
- Drill-free, pain-free, tooth-preserving
Bottom Line
Cavities don’t just “go away.” The sooner you address them, the easier treatment will be. Book your cleaning or exam today and add cavity prevention to your smile-care routine.
2. Common signs of a cavity include persistent tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, visible spots or discoloration on the tooth, persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, tooth pain or pressure, and gum swelling near a single tooth.
3. The Gleamery offers gentle cleanings, comprehensive exams, and Anti-Cavity Therapy (Curodont Protect) to detect and address cavities early, reinforcing enamel and helping to stop cavities in their tracks
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-20352892
