3 Ways You Can Tell You Have A Cavity Before Going To The Dentist
Posted on: 28 June 2016
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Feeling nervous when it is time for a routine check-up is normal. It is even normal to wonder if you have a cavity that needs to be filled. Some people just want to be prepared and want to see the signs before they have a gaping hole that needs to be filled. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell you have a cavity without speaking to a dentist.
1. Pain in the Mouth
Pain is one of the first signs of a cavity, but it is also a sign of other dental problems. When the pain is located in one area, usually on one tooth, it is likely to be a cavity. It is very common when chewing food or having a drink that touches the tooth. This is because the nerves in the tooth are more likely to be touched.
The pain may be visible more with hot and cold drinks at first. This is known as sensitivity and shouldn't be ignored. Sweet items are also more likely to cause pain due to a cavity.
2. Darkening Teeth
Look at your teeth in a mirror for signs of a cavity. If you have darkening spots, it is a sign that a hole is forming underneath the enamel. You may also see a black spot form right on the top of the tooth, rather than on the inside.
This sign can appear before the pain, depending on where and how it forms. Keeping a close eye on the color of your teeth will help you get treatment as soon as possible. You may also spot chalky or white spots if the cavity is spotted early enough.
3. Feeling Gaps
Run your tongue along your teeth regularly. A cavity may be felt, due to gaps or ridges within the teeth. This is especially common if the gaps have formed on the back of the front teeth or on the tops of the back teeth, where it is easier to run the tongue along.
The gaps won't necessarily be holes. You may feel chips and cracks forming on the teeth. As cavities form, the gaps weaken the structure and other chips and cracks start to appear. In some cases, the whole tooth disintegrates.
As you can see, it is possible to be aware of a cavity before you head into your routine dental check-up. This way, you can tell your dentist you think you have a cavity and where the cavity might be. For some people, knowing they have a cavity before they go into the dentist can make becoming anxious about the cavity being treated a little less likely. Contact a business, such as Cobbe Dental & Orthodontics, for more information.