How Can I Tell If I Have A Cavity? The Top 5 Signs

Wondering if you have a cavity and need to get a filling in Forest Lake from Dr. Jonathan Siverson? In this blog from Forest Lake Smiles, we’ll take a look at a few of the most common signs that you may have a cavity and require a filling. Let’s get started.

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1. Toothaches Or Random Pain 

If you are experiencing a serious toothache or random, intermittent pain that’s affecting one of your teeth without a clear cause, this could indicate that you have a deep cavity. 

You should get treatment right away, as an untreated cavity can easily lead to a tooth infection. Tooth infections will require treatment with a root canal and a dental crown, which is much more expensive compared to a filling. 

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2. Tooth Sensitivity To Hot And Cold Foods/Drinks

If one of your teeth feels very sensitive to hot and cold foods or drinks, this could indicate the presence of a cavity. This may also be the case if you feel a lot of sensitivity when consuming very sugary foods/drinks, like candy or soda. 

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3. Visible Pits Or Holes In Your Teeth

A more advanced cavity may be recognizable with the naked eye. If you can see your tooth clearly in the mirror, look for visible holes or small pits in the tooth. While some pitting is normal, a deep pit or hole may be a sign of a cavity, and you should see Dr. Siverson right away to get the help you need.

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4. Brown, Black, Or White Staining 

While you’re looking for holes or pits in your teeth, you should also look for brown or black staining, which can indicate an advanced cavity. If you notice pits and holes as well as a brown or black stain, you definitely have a cavity.

Less serious cavities may only have a white stain. This is caused by tooth demineralization, which is the initial loss of minerals from your enamel. This can lead to a larger cavity, so if you notice one or more white stains or patches on your teeth, you should come and see Dr. Siverson for treatment right away. 

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5. Pain And Discomfort When You Bite Down 

Even if your tooth feels okay most of the time, it may feel tender and sensitive when you bite down and chew, particularly if you’re chewing hard foods like nuts or popcorn. 

This is a sign that something’s wrong with your tooth, and you may have a cavity. A healthy tooth should not cause you discomfort when you bite down. Get in touch with the team at Forest Lake Smiles to get help right away.

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Recognize Any Of These Signs? It’s Better To Be Safe Than Sorry! 

At Forest Lake Smiles, we’re here to help you get the treatment you need to restore your smile and eliminate your cavity. When it comes to treating cavities, early intervention is always a good thing. So if you suspect you’ve got one or more cavities, don’t wait. Give us a call at (651) 464-8207 or contact us online to schedule an appointment in Forest Lake right away.