If you’ve ever experienced an uncomfortable feeling while chewing or drinking or noticed a sudden sharp pain in your teeth when consuming something cold or hot, that could be a telltale sign of a cavity.
What a cavity feels like can depend on the severity of the decay, but some of the most common sensations include tooth sensitivity, toothaches, and throbbing, stinging, pounding, or burning pain.
Cavities don’t go away on their own—but they can get worse. So, if you experience tooth pain, it’s important to visit a dentist for a dental exam. Restorative dental procedures like a filling might be necessary for helping your teeth stay healthy and strong.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a hole in a tooth that can be a sign of severe tooth decay. It’s crucial to address cavities early because they can penetrate your enamel, affect your dentin—the middle layer of your tooth—and cause damage to your tooth’s pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are housed.
The primary causes of cavities include:
- Plaque and tartar buildup on teeth
- Sugary foods
- Bacteria trapped near fillings
You may be at greater risk of cavities if you have:
- Dry mouth
- A high-sugar or high-starch diet
- A family history of tooth decay
- Receding gums
- A history of neck and head cancer treated with radiation therapy
Sometimes cavities can be hidden where you can’t see them, which is why it’s critical to visit your dentist for thorough dental exams. Diagnostic techniques like X-rays can detect cavities in the crevices of your teeth.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity?
Toothaches
When you have a cavity, you may experience toothache pain localized in a specific area of your mouth near the cavity. Cavity pain may worsen when you chew food, bite on something hard, or drink something cold or hot.
If you notice an uncomfortable feeling in your tooth, it might be a sign that a cavity has developed or progressed. Getting an early diagnosis can improve your chances of preventing the spread of that cavity.
Tooth Sensitivity
When acid-producing bacteria erode the outer layer of your tooth enamel, it exposes the inner layer known as the dentin. Dentin is much less dense than enamel and has tiny tunnels leading to your tooth’s nerve center.
When exposed, your dentin can cause extreme sensitivity to hot or cold drinks. Tooth sensitivity from cavities can be so severe that breathing cold air could trigger a sharp pain. In some cases, sugary foods can cause sensitivity, regardless of the temperature.
Abscessed Teeth
If left untreated, a cavity can develop into an abscessed tooth. Alongside tooth pain, an abscessed tooth can cause:
- Swelling in the face and gums
- A fever
- Pain in the jaw, gums, or ears
- Severe tooth pain that disrupts sleep and daily life
An abscess is an infection, and to prevent it from spreading to surrounding tissue, you should see your dentist for treatment.
How Can You Relieve Tooth Pain?
Even when you book an appointment with your dentist, you may still have to manage tooth pain before your visit. Some of the recommended toothache pain relief methods include:
- Numbing gels
- Warm salt water rinses
- Clove oil
- Cold or heat therapy on the outside of the mouth
- Prioritizing oral health
In some cases, over-the-counter pain medication may help reduce tooth pain. You should always speak with a doctor before taking any new medication.
How to Prevent Cavities
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
One of the most effective ways to prevent cavities is by caring for your teeth through good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes using fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once daily, and use mouthwash.
Make sure to gently brush and reach all areas of your mouth, including your back teeth. Thorough brushing and flossing help remove plaque that can cause cavities.
Limit Sugary Foods & Drinks
Sugar is a primary cause of cavities. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar, producing the acid that can erode your tooth enamel and cause decay. To prevent cavities, limit your intake of sweet foods and drinks.
Instead, opt for healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables, cheese, and yogurt and swap out your sugary drinks with green tea or herbal tea. If you consume sugary foods, rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth 30 minutes afterwards to remove any residue.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drinking water is important for overall health and can also help prevent cavities. Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria from the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities. Some evidence suggests fluoridated water can also help protect and strengthen teeth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are vital for maintaining good oral health and preventing cavities. When you visit us, we can check for early signs of cavities, remove plaque and tartar buildup, and recommend treatment options if necessary.
It’s recommended to visit a dentist every 6 months—but you may need checkups more often if you have particular oral health concerns or conditions.
Avoid Cavities with Preventive Dental Care
Cavities can be painful and expensive to address, but they are preventable through healthy habits and regular dental care.
For preventive cleanings, dental exams, and treatments for oral health concerns, visit Rockwood Dental. With the proper care and good oral health habits, we can help you avoid cavities and further decay. Book an appointment today.
