How to know you might have a dental cavity

How to know you might have a dental cavity

Dental cavities are a relatively common problem in the UK. Approximately 31% of UK adults have dental caries requiring treatment.

Unfortunately, many adults may not realise they have a cavity until it becomes more serious. And with many finding it difficult to access NHS dental care, they aren’t getting the regular checkups that would spot the signs earlier either.

If you can recognise the early signs of a cavity, the outcome will be much better. If they’re left untreated, you may experience toothache, infection and even tooth loss.

In this article, we’ll tell you what cavities are, the signs to watch for and when to consult your dentist.

What is a dental cavity?

A dental cavity is a small hole in a tooth, caused by tooth decay. This happens because bacteria in the mouth produce acids that wear away the outer layer of your teeth.

Over time (and if not treated quickly), the decay goes deeper. Eventually, it reaches the softer, inner layers of the tooth.

Cavities often start small and get bigger. At first, you might not feel anything. But as the decay spreads, it can cause pain and sensitivity or even an infection.

Cavities can affect people of any age. They’re more common in areas that are harder to clean. In between the teeth or near the gums are common areas. You can prevent them by brushing well, flossing and with regular dentist visits.

Signs you may have a dental cavity

So, how do you know if you have a dental cavity? Here are some signs:

Persistent toothache

One of the first signs you’ll get is a constant, dull ache. The pain might be on and off, or it could stick around for days.

There is always a reason for this kind of toothache. It often means that decay has reached the inner part of your tooth, where the nerves are.

If you wake up with tooth pain or notice it coming on during the day—even when you’re not eating, it could be a sign of a cavity starting to take hold.

Sensitivity to temperature

Pain when eating or drinking something hot or cold? This is another sign of a cavity, though not to be confused with sensitive teeth.

Tooth decay wears down the enamel. This makes hot and cold temperatures reach the more sensitive layers underneath.

You might notice there’s discomfort with things like ice cream, hot tea or cold air hitting your teeth. If it keeps happening, it’s worth getting a checkup.

Pain when chewing

If it hurts you to chew, it could mean there’s a cavity. With cavities, the nerves are irritated. This causes discomfort during meals, especially if you’re chewing harder foods. The pain might feel like a dull ache or a sudden sharp twinge.

Bad breath or taste

Cavities can cause bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing or mouthwash. This is because food and bacteria get trapped in the hole created. Over time, there is a build-up and it produces an unpleasant smell or taste.

You might notice a sour taste in your mouth. Or you might think your breath is stale even after cleaning, In these cases, always get checked by your dentist.

Visible holes

Sometimes, you can actually see a cavity. It might look like a dark spot, pit or a hole on the surface of your tooth. These can appear on the top, sides or even between your teeth.

Pain isn’t always felt before a cavity is visible. Spotting a hole means that the tooth has started to decay.

Consider checking your teeth regularly with a mirror. If you notice anything unusual, book a dental appointment as soon as you can.

Visiting a dentist for cavities

If you think you might have a cavity, book an appointment. They will check your teeth and might even take an X-ray to see if there’s any hidden decay. Cavities aren’t always obvious. Especially if you’re looking for them yourself or if they’re in the early stages.

If your dentist finds a cavity, they’ll recommend a treatment. Most of the time, it can be fixed with a simple filling. This stops the decay and protects the tooth.

If the cavity is deeper, you might need a root canal, or, in some cases, the tooth may need to be removed.

The sooner you visit a dentist, the easier the treatment is likely to be.

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