A toothache or severe pain often signals a developing cavity, especially when the damaged tooth comes into contact with something else. Eric Klein, DDM, says that “pain is often a symptom, and pain can be in the gums below the tooth or in the tooth itself. Sometimes you have a sharp, acute pain or it may be a dull, throbbing pain, and both are signs of a cavity.”
2. Pain When Chewing Food
Dr. Klein says that “if you start chewing on any food and something hurts, it could be because the tooth has a crack in it or because there’s a cavity.” If you feel a sharp, sudden pain after biting into some food, the nerve in your tooth might be infected and in the process of decay. Touching the afflicted area can help you gauge the severity of your pain and whether or not you need to go and see a dentist. If you can’t touch the tooth without shuddering in pain, schedule an immediate appointment with your dentist.
Cavities are basically small, infected holes that develop in teeth, making them an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and a place where food can get stuck. “A cavity is caused by acid and sugar breaking a hole in the enamel, and then bacteria can enter that hole,” explains Dr. Klein. “Bacteria can cause odor and leave a bad taste in your mouth.” Bad breath can also be a sign of gum disease, caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth that irritates the gums. If you notice constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, contact a dentist to further evaluate the source of the bacteria.
4. Increased Sensitivity to Temperature
If you’re among the 80% of people over the age of 17 who have had at least one cavity, you might have experienced a strange sensitivity to temperature in the infected tooth. You might have extreme sensitivity to hot or cold liquids and foods, making eating and drinking an unpleasant experience. “Every tooth has a nerve inside it, and it also has blood supply to help the tooth grow and function. When a cavity gets larger and closer to that nerve, it can sense the change in temperature easier,” says Dr. Klein.
Cavities can cause bleeding when brushing due to gum irritation from the damaged nerve. Recurrent bleeding might be a sign of a gum disorder or a symptom of a deep cavity. “If you have a big cavity at the gum line, you might catch food in the cavity and the can cause gum issues,” says Dr. Klein.
6. Dark Spots on the Teeth and/or Discoloration
While some cavities appear as abscesses or holes, others look more like spots or stains on the surface of the infected tooth. Brow, black, or white spots are often signs of tooth decay, though they can also be signs of natural stains. If a spot is soft or sticky, it’s likely the symptom of a growing cavity. In some cases, cavities can cause the entire tooth to darken and increase its likelihood of breaking. If you notice discoloration or spots in your teeth, visit a dentist to have the stains evaluated.
If you have ever experienced a toothache when taking off on a plane or while deep-water scuba diving, it’s very likely that it’s due to a cavity. Changes in air pressure can irritate the nerve within an infected tooth, causing dull or severe pain. If you feel an unfamiliar pain in these types of situations, have a dentist examine the tooth to catch the cavity before it grows. Filling a cavity during its early stages will prevent the decay from worsening.
8. Swelling in Certain Parts of the Gum
Sometimes, swelling of the gums is an indication that you have a cavity. Dr. Klein says that “if you have a really deep cavity, it makes the nerve sick or die, and that causes an infection in a nerve that causes swelling.” You should visit your dentist if you notice swelling in a specific area of the gums as this might be a sign of a cavity or gum infection.
Source: rd
Images: depositphotos
Related articles:
1. 12 Natural Remedies to Treat That Toothache
2. 8 Natural Ways to Fight Back Against Plaque
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