How do I know if I have a cavity?
Tooth decay—also known as cavities or dental caries—is the most common dental health issue and is considered a “major public health concern”(source). While the prevalence of cavities has decreased in recent decades, the problem remains widespread among both children and adults.
The reality of TOOTH DECAY
Statistics from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, found the following to be true (source):
37% of children aged 2 to 8 years of age had dental caries in their primary teeth
58% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 years had dental caries in their permanent teeth
90% of adults aged 20 and older had dental caries
Even if those percentages have declined since the study was published, the statistics are still staggering - 90% of adults! Essentially that means that if you are reading this, you probably have or have had a cavity.
Because tooth decay is so common, it’s easy to underestimate the impact cavities can have on your overall health. The reality is that cavities are a serious concern. In their early stages, they’re usually easy and affordable to treat. But when left untreated, they can progress—causing pain, damaging the tooth structure, and potentially leading to infections that spread beyond the mouth.
Ignoring a cavity doesn’t just risk your oral health—it can also affect your general well-being and quality of life. Prompt treatment can prevent complications and reduce the need for more extensive and costly procedures later on. Routine dental care can actually save your health and your wallet!
The earlier the stage of tooth decay, the more easily your dentist will be able to treat the dental disease. Untreated cavities can lead to serious dental and oral health issues.
So how do you know if you have a cavity? What are the first symptoms of dental cavities? Is the dentist the only one who can tell you that you have a cavity? Can you have a cavity without any symptoms?
SYMPTOMS OF TOOTH DECAY
When it comes to dental cavities, some symptoms that indicate you may be suffering from tooth decay include:
Tooth sensitivity or a toothache in a certain area of your tooth or teeth
Tooth pain when eating, drinking, biting or chewing
Sensitivity to sugary or sour foods or to hot or cold liquids
Spots on the surface of your teeth, regardless of color (may be white, brown or black)
Any visible holes, dents or “cavities” in your tooth’s enamel
Any dull or persistent pain in your teeth or jaw
If you or your child are experiencing any of these symptoms of dental cavities, you may have dental cavities. If so, it is important to have your tooth decay treated as soon as possible in order to prevent further decay, which can lead to more expensive procedures such as root canal therapy or even extraction and implant dentistry.
The most reliable way to find out if you have a cavity is by visiting a dentist. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental exam, there’s a good chance you could be among the many people with undetected tooth decay. At WoodSprings Dentistry, we make it easy to stay on top of your oral health. Drs. Samantha and James Tejada, dentists serving patients in The Woodlands, Creekside, Spring, TX, and surrounding areas, offer comprehensive exams, gentle cleanings, and customized treatment plans. Call us today or book online—we’d love to care for your smile.
Don’t have a dentist or are you looking for a new dentist in The Woodlands, Creekside or Spring, TX? WoodSprings Dentistry provides modern general and cosmetic dental care in a comfortable environment with luxury amenities and sedation dentistry options so that even the most anxious of patients can feel at ease. Book your appointment today to discover a different kind of dentistry.