5 Signs You’re Experiencing Tooth Cavity Pain
It can be difficult to know whether or not your toothaches are signs of a cavity. Cavities can occur anywhere in your tooth and cause pain. Tooth decay is the most frequent cause of toothache.
If you notice any of the signs below and are experiencing tooth cavity pain, it is important to set up an appointment with your dentist immediately. Failing to attend to tooth pain can result in more severe problems that will require even more painful and expensive procedures.
Read on!
1. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Temperatures
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can be a sign that you’re experiencing tooth cavity pain because it indicates that the protective enamel layer on your teeth has been worn away. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of the tooth that protects the sensitive dentin layer underneath. When enamel is worn away, the dentin is exposed, which can cause pain and discomfort when consuming hot or cold foods or drinks.
The pain may be sharp and brief, or it may be a dull ache that persists. In some cases, the tooth may also be sensitive to pressure, such as when biting or chewing. This is because tooth cavities are caused by bacteria that produce acid, which erodes the enamel, creating a hole in the tooth.
Once the enamel is gone, the nerves in the tooth get exposed and are more sensitive to temperatures. It’s important to note that sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can be caused by other factors as well, such as gum recession, which can expose the roots of the teeth, or worn fillings. Therefore, it’s important to see a family dentist to determine the cause of your sensitivity and to get appropriate cavity treatment.
2. Pain When Biting or Chewing
Pain when biting or chewing can be a sign that you’re experiencing tooth cavity pain because it indicates that the tooth structure has been damaged. When the tooth is damaged from tooth decay, it can become weaker, and the tooth may not be able to withstand the normal forces of biting and chewing. This can cause pain or discomfort when trying to eat or even speaking.
Pain when biting or chewing can also be caused by tooth cavities that have grown large enough to affect the tooth’s structure. As the cavity grows, it can weaken the tooth, making it more susceptible to fractures or breaks. A tooth that is cracked or broken can also cause pain when biting or chewing.
Additionally, tooth cavities can also cause pain when biting or chewing because the bacteria that cause cavities can infect the tooth pulp. This is the innermost part of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are located. This can lead to inflammation and infection in the pulp, which can cause severe pain.
3. Visible Holes or Dark Spots On the Teeth
Visible holes or dark spots on the teeth can be a sign that you’re experiencing tooth cavity pain because they indicate that the tooth has been damaged by tooth decay. A cavity is a hole that forms in the tooth as a result of tooth decay caused by bacteria that produce acid. This acid erodes the tooth’s enamel and dentin, creating a hole or “cavity” in the tooth.
When a cavity is in its early stages, it may be difficult to see with the naked eye, but as it progresses, it can become more visible. The holes can be small, but as the decay progresses they can get larger. The holes can be dark brown or black and can be seen with the naked eye.
Dark spots on the teeth can also be caused by cavities, these spots may be a sign of a small cavity that is not yet visible as a hole. It’s important to note that visible holes or dark spots on the teeth can also be caused by other factors such as staining from certain foods, drinks, or tobacco use.
4. Experience Sharp and Intermittent Pain
When the enamel and dentin are damaged, the inner layers of the tooth can become exposed, leading to pain and sensitivity. Pain associated with tooth cavities is typically described as sharp and intermittent and may be triggered by hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Additionally, tooth cavities can cause toothache or constant dull pain in the affected tooth. If left untreated, the pain can become more severe and may even lead to an abscess or infection. It is recommended to visit a dentist if you experience sharp and intermittent pain to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
5. Have Constant Dull Pain or Discomfort
When a tooth is first infected with cavity-causing bacteria, the enamel may only be slightly damaged and there may not be any noticeable symptoms. As the bacteria continue to feed on the tooth and the enamel is further eroded, a small hole or “cavity” is formed. At this stage, you may experience constant dull pain or discomfort in the affected tooth.
As the cavity becomes larger and deeper, the pain may become more severe. It’s important to note that tooth cavity pain does not always occur, especially in the early stages. The dentist can diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment, such as a filling, a crown, or a root canal treatment.
Learn the Different Signs of Tooth Cavity Pain
Pain is one of the most common signs of a cavity in the tooth. When someone experiences tooth cavity pain, this may be a sign of a developing cavity. Pain in the tooth can vary in intensity, it may feel very sharp or it may be a dull ache.
Someone with a cavity may also be more prone to bad breath and taste an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If anyone believes they may be experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to visit their dentist for an accurate diagnosis.
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