During your appointment, an x-ray will be taken to determine the extent of the decay. Depending on the severity of the cavity, you might need a filling. Very severe decay may require replacing the tooth with a crown, performing a root canal or extraction. If you cannot see your dentist right away, try some of these home remedies and over-the-counter OTC medications to find temporary cavity pain relief while you wait.
Even if you're not sure if you have a cavity, regular professional cleanings and dental visits are important. A dental hygienist can apply a fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth and reverse the early stages of decay.
They can also give you tips on the best ways to brush your teeth and advise which foods increase your risk for cavities. When it comes to cavities, taking preventative steps is a lot easier than treating the problem down the road. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.
It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us.
United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. This is what creates the sensitivity you feel. Although hot and cold are the most common sensitivities when you have a cavity, Dr.
Similar to temperature sensitivity, a lingering discomfort from sweets is often a result of damage to the enamel and, more specifically, the start of a cavity. An ongoing ache in one or more of your teeth can indicate a cavity. In fact, pain is one of the most common symptoms of a cavity. Sometimes this ache can come on suddenly, or it can happen as a result of something you eat. This includes pain and discomfort in or around your mouth. You may also feel pain and pressure when you bite down on food.
Stains on your tooth may first appear as white spots. As the tooth decay becomes more advanced, the stain can become darker. Staining caused by a cavity can be brown, black, or white, and typically appears on the surface of the tooth. If the white spot on your tooth indicating the start of a cavity worsens, you will end up with a hole or pit in your tooth that you may be able to see when you look in the mirror or feel when you run your tongue over the surface of your teeth.
But you may still feel pain or sensitivity in the area of the cavity. If you notice a hole or pit in your tooth, make an appointment to see your dentist. As the National Institutes of Health points out, the only condition more common than cavities and tooth decay is the common cold.
If you've never experienced tooth decay, you might wonder, "What d oes a cavity feel like? Some foods, such as sweets, might trigger the pain of a cavity more than others. Your mouth is naturally full of bacteria. Some of that bacteria is perfectly healthy; some of it can be harmful. When you eat something sugary, such as candy or even potato chips, or drink a sugary beverage, the bacteria feeds on the sugars in the substance.
It then produces acid, which is strong enough to wear away the enamel of the tooth, if not cleaned off quickly enough. In the end, a dental cavity begins to form. In the early stages, a cavity can be reversed, as the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research notes. Brushing your teeth with a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help restore the enamel and reverse the effects of tooth decay.
What does a cavity feel like? In the earliest stages, the answer might be nothing. There are no nerves in your tooth's enamel, so when the decay is in that layer, it's likely that you won't feel a thing. Once the decay has progressed enough to reach the softer tissues inside the tooth, where the dentin and nerves are, you might notice signs of a cavity.
Your teeth might feel sensitive and you might feel some pain, especially after eating sweets, hot foods or cold foods. The pain might be fairly mild or it might be sharp and intense. Cavities and tooth decay are so common that you may not take them seriously.
And you may think that it doesn't matter if children get cavities in their baby teeth. However, cavities and tooth decay can have serious and lasting complications, even for children who don't have their permanent teeth yet. Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.
Here are some tips to help prevent cavities. Ask your dentist which tips are best for you. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Types of cavities Open pop-up dialog box Close. Types of cavities Cavities are decayed areas of your teeth that develop into tiny openings or holes. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Dental exam. Share on: Facebook Twitter.
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