Many people assume that their mouths must be perfectly healthy if they haven’t spotted obvious cavities or gum disease. However, oral issues often start small and are easy to miss, which can lead to more progressive problems.
For example, dental fillings are the standard way to treat cavities, but you might not know you need one if you haven’t noticed any visible concerns. Understanding early warning signs of tooth decay helps you know when to contact your dentist for help. Continue reading to learn about 3 signs that may indicate you need a dental filling before your condition worsens!
Indicator #1: Pain or Sensitivity
Cavities happen when unhealthy bacteria in your mouth thrive and produce acids that erode your enamel. This makes it easier for sensations, like overly hot or cold temperatures, to travel more easily through the lower layer of dentin to trigger discomfort in the nerves in the roots.
If you feel tenderness or sensitivity, especially when biting down into hot, cold, spicy, sugary, or acidic foods, the adverse sensation could be caused by a hidden cavity. Contact your dentist for an examination, and they’ll provide an appropriate treatment plan, such as a tooth-colored filling, to preserve the affected tooth and relieve pain.
Indicator #2: Darkened Enamel
Cavities can also cause discoloration in a couple of different ways. For example, the lower layer of dentin beneath your enamel has a more yellow or brown hue that becomes more visible as your enamel thins. Pits or grooves in your teeth can also trap food, germs, or darkly pigmented particles that can stain.
If you see darker spots on certain teeth, you might already have cavities requiring treatment. Seeking help sooner rather than later can prevent further decay or infection, and thankfully, most dentists offer tooth-colored restorations that repair the damage and blend beautifully into your smile.
Indicator #3: Frayed Floss
Brushing and flossing at home twice daily helps remove plaque and bacteria that cause caries, but you might still develop hidden issues in places that are hard to see or reach by yourself. For instance, you might develop an interproximal cavity between two teeth or below your gums that isn’t visible to the naked eye.
But there may be other signs letting you know you have a hidden cavity. For instance, if you notice your string floss consistently frays when you reach a certain area, it could be caused by jagged edges of damaged enamel tearing at the threads.
Tooth decay generally doesn’t fix itself, so if you notice these or other concerns, contact your dentist to schedule an examination before it gets worse!
Meet the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Neal has decades of experience helping children and adults improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. He graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry, and today, he offers a full menu of high-quality services, including tooth-colored fillings, tailored to meet your unique needs. If you’ve noticed early signs of tooth decay, you can request an appointment on the website or call the office at (804) 447-1435.