If you haven’t been able to visit the dentist for a while or you’ve noticed some abnormalities in your teeth, you might be wondering if you currently have a cavity. While the best way to diagnose a cavity is to see your dentist, there are a few signs you can look for in the meantime while you wait for your next appointment. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is possible that you may have a cavity.
If you have a bad taste in your mouth…
When you experience a bad taste in your mouth, you should first try to rinse with mouthwash and brush your teeth and tongue. If your efforts do not work and you still have a consistent bad taste in your mouth, this could be a sign of tooth decay. Bacteria could be lingering as a result of the decay, and therefore it should be looked at by a dentist immediately.
If you have bad breath…
You may have noticed that, despite your efforts to brush your teeth and floss regularly, you cannot get rid of your bad breath. This is caused by the bacteria that flourishes when tooth decay is not treated. And while bad breath (also known as halitosis) can be caused by a number of health issues, it is important that you visit your dentist to discuss this issue when you’ve noticed that the symptom will not go away.
If you’re experiencing dental sensitivity…
You may have experienced a tinge of pain when drinking a cold beverage or enjoying hot soup. This could be the result of a cavity that has exposed the dentin layer of your tooth. The dentin layer within your tooth is comprised of numerous microscopic tubules that give direct access to the nerve. Therefore, it makes your tooth hypersensitive to outside stimuli. This is one of the clearest indicators of a cavity, and it should be addressed immediately by your dentist.
If you see dark spots on your teeth…
While you may not see the hole from the cavity immediately, it is possible that you see a brown or black discoloration on your tooth. This is caused by the bacteria that are wearing away at your dental enamel. This typically occurs in severe cases of tooth decay, and therefore the tooth needs attention urgently before the decay can progress further.
If you see pus…
Pus is an indicator of a very serious oral health issue called an abscess. When tooth decay has progressed to the point of infecting the dental root, you can experience this painful issue. Abscesses not only affect the tooth, but can also cause infection in surrounding tissues and bones. Therefore, this symptom requires urgent medical attention.
Do you think you may have a cavity? If so, it is important that you see your dentist straight away before the decay progresses to a point in which you need a root canal procedure to salvage the tooth. To make your appointment, call Aurora Dental Group today!
