Tooth decay and cavities are incredibly common in both children and adults. According to the National Institute of Health, the only thing more common than tooth decay is the common cold. You do your best to protect your smile by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, but cavities can still happen. How do you notice the signs of a cavity? Do you know why it is important to treat a cavity early? 

Signs of a Cavity

What does a cavity in your tooth feel like? In the earliest stages, the answer could be that it feels like nothing. There are no nerve endings in your tooth’s enamel, so when the decay only affects that outer layer, you may not feel a thing. Once the decay has progressed further along to reach the softer tissues inside the tooth, where the dentin and nerves are, you may begin to feel signs of a cavity. Your teeth might become sensitive and you could feel some pain, especially when eating sweets, hot or cold foods. The pain could be mild or it could be sharp and severe. You can also feel pain when you bite down when they have a cavity. Depending on the size and location of the cavity, you may be able to see it in your mouth. Cavities sometimes create visible holes in the surface of the teeth. You could also see stains that are black, brown, or white on the surface of the tooth.

Treatment To Save Your Tooth

Tooth decay is a condition that does not go away on its own. If you let a cavity progress without treatment, you risk needing a root canal treatment or even a possible extraction. Tooth decay can progress to a point so severe that it could endanger the rest of your body’s health. Treating a cavity with a filling before it progresses can you save you from the potential risks of decay’s progression.

A cavity can harm your tooth

Do you think you feel signs of a cavity? To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.