FAQs
7 Early Cavity Symptoms and Signs of Tooth Decay | LISTERINE®? ›
In the early stages of cavities, you might feel pain when you bite down on something you eat like a piece of candy. In time, you begin to experience tooth pain when you chew on something soft, and when it progresses further, you will experience consistent tooth pain.
What are the early signs and symptoms of tooth decay? ›- Toothache and other pain.
- Tooth sensitivity.
- Mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold.
- Holes or pits in your teeth that you can see.
- Brown, black or white staining on any surface of a tooth.
- Pain when you bite down.
In the early stages of cavities, you might feel pain when you bite down on something you eat like a piece of candy. In time, you begin to experience tooth pain when you chew on something soft, and when it progresses further, you will experience consistent tooth pain.
What is early tooth decay? ›A white spot may appear where minerals have been lost. This is a sign of early decay. Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources. But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost.
At what stage can you feel a cavity? ›If the cavity hasn't gone deeper than the enamel, you still might not feel anything. If it is deep and close to the dentine, your tooth may feel more sensitive than normal and you could notice it when you eat cold, hot or sweet foods.
Is 7 cavities bad? ›How Many Cavities is Too Many? A few cavities may be normal due to sugary diets and oral hygiene, but more than 3 or 4 may indicate a need for better dental care and diet changes. Actively having a high number of cavities (more than 4 or 5) at one time might indicate issues with oral hygiene or diet.
What are the 5 stages of tooth decay? ›- Demineralization During the first stage of tooth decay, the outer layer of your teeth — the enamel — starts to weaken due to the presence of plaque. ...
- Enamel Decay ...
- Dentin Decay. ...
- Damaged Pulp. ...
- Abscess Formation
Signs and Symptoms of Cavities
Some noticeable signs of a potential cavity include lingering bad breath, a toothache, and increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages. If there is a cavity, you will most likely also feel a shooting or sharp pain when consuming something particularly acidic or high in sugar.
In addition to discomfort or pain, it's sometimes possible to feel a cavity with your tongue. It may feel like an unusual rough patch, or a slight sharpness around the edge of the hole.
Can you feel a cavity with your finger? ›Pits or Holes: If you notice that your teeth are staining and becoming darker, a hole or pit will likely follow if your cavity is untreated. While you may not be able to visibly see it, you may be able to feel it if you run your finger (wash your hands first!) or tongue over the tooth.
What does a stage 2 cavity look like? ›
Stage 2—Enamel Decay
The second stage of tooth decay involves the further break down of tooth enamel. People who have developed white spots due to mineral loss will notice them turning a brownish color, which indicates even greater loss of minerals and enamel.
We mentioned that it helps reduce the risk of cavities, but it doesn't stop there… Repairs damage caused by cavities: The American Dental Association states that by getting rid of plaque, soda helps stop cavities that are in the beginning stages of forming, and actually repairs the damage they cause.
What toothpaste remineralizes teeth? ›- Best anti-cavity remineralizing toothpaste: 3M Clinpro 5000.
- Best remineralizing toothpaste for sensitive teeth: Sensodyne Pronamel.
- Best overall remineralizing toothpaste: Crest Pro-Health Advanced.
This is often referred to as a “pre-cavity”.” At this stage, the cavity is merely a light stain on the tooth that hasn't formed a visible hole that is eroding the enamel yet. If treated early enough, the damage can be reversed at this stage.
What does a mild cavity feel like? ›Cavities are small holes in the teeth caused by tooth decay and can be extremely painful. The most common symptom of a cavity is a sudden, sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet or hot. Other symptoms include discoloration of the affected tooth, sensitivity to heat and cold, and a bad taste in the mouth.
How do you know if a cavity has reached the nerve? ›When cavities reach your pulp, you may feel pain. You may also start to notice redness and swelling in the gums around your tooth. The spots on your tooth may turn darker brown or black. Abscessed tooth: Left untreated, a deep cavity can cause infection.
Do early stage cavities hurt? ›It's not uncommon for someone with a small cavity to experience severe sensitivity and pain, while someone with a large cavity with an abscess feels no discomfort whatsoever. Cavities may be completely asymptomatic (no symptoms), which is why it's beneficial to have your teeth routinely assessed by a dentist.
Do early cavities go away? ›The only time in which cavities can be reversed is in the early stages of demineralization. Dedicated oral hygiene is critical to restoring lost minerals in your teeth and stopping decay from progressing. Unfortunately, many do not catch cavities at this stage, and they pass the point of no return.
Do cavities hurt in the beginning? ›While mild to moderate pain may indicate that the cavity is still in the early stages, severe pain could suggest that the decay has progressed significantly.