5 Symptoms That May Indicate You Have a Cavity

As difficult as this may be to believe, not everyone enjoys going to the dentist. Crazy, right?

But this common phobia causes many people to skip appointments which results in dental problems like tooth decay going untreated.

Of course, the result of untreated dental problems is typically more dental problems which can result in additional time in your dentist’s chair. A good example is cavities; without prompt treatment, that little twinge in your tooth that you’ve been hoping will go away is slowly spreading and may ultimately result in the need for a root canal if not treated.

Typical Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Another problem is that a cavity isn’t always apparent as pain; there are subtle symptoms that may not be as painful but are just as problematic. Let’s look at a few:

• Pain or sensitivity when you eat hot, cold, or sweet foods – Some people have sensitive teeth, but if this is not a typical concern for you, there may be decay lurking in the tooth.
• A hole in your tooth – In some cases, a cavity shows up as an actual hole in your tooth.
• Spots or stains on your teeth – Your teeth may be stained from drinking a lot of coffee, but tooth discoloration that looks different from other stains may indicate a cavity.
• Bad breath – Anything that decays starts to smell after a while, and the same is true with tooth decay.
• Sudden, sharp pain when biting down – This could mean that the pulp deep inside your tooth is inflamed.

Get a Checkup with your Fairfax Dentist, Avoid the Pain

Of course, we can’t guarantee that routine dental visits will prevent you from ever experiencing pain. But seeing your dentist every six months allows them to look for early signs of decay and treat it as quickly as possible.

At Dr. Fairfax and Associates, we know that prevention is the key to a healthy smile. When you stay current with scheduled exams and dental cleanings in Vienna, VA, you can avoid a lot of discomfort and complicated treatment in the future.

If it’s time for your next appointment, please call Dr. Cerina Fairfax. We’ll work together to ensure that you enjoy a healthy, problem-free smile.