What Does a Cavity Feel Like?

Cavities are very common.

In fact, 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 currently has at least one cavity.

And over half of children aged 6 to 8 have had a cavity in their baby teeth, and more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in their permanent teeth.

If you are wondering if you have a cavity or what a cavity feels like, we aim to help.

So what exactly are cavities?

A cavity is like a tiny hole in your tooth. It happens when bad bacteria in your mouth make acid that eats away at your tooth. If you don’t take care of it, the hole can get bigger and hurt.

Now that we have cavities defined in simple terms, what does a cavity feel like?

How Does a Cavity Feel?

Cavities can feel different depending on their size and location.

In the early stages, you might not feel anything at all. Sometimes in the early stages of a cavity, you may have subtle symptoms such as:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks: This sensitivity can be a sign that the enamel of your tooth is compromised.

Mild discomfort or a dull ache: You may experience a slight pain or discomfort in the affected tooth, especially when biting or chewing.

Lingering bad taste: A persistent unpleasant taste in your mouth can also be an indicator of a cavity.

Note: These early symptoms can be similar to those of other dental conditions, such as tooth sensitivity or gum disease. Therefore, it’s best to consult with a dentist for a proper diagnosis.

As a cavity progresses , the symptoms become worse and can have an impact on your day to day activities. Symptoms of bigger cavities may include:

Severe toothache: The pain can be intense and may radiate to other areas of your face.

Sensitivity to touch: The affected tooth may be sensitive to touch or pressure.

Difficulty chewing: Chewing can be painful or uncomfortable due to the cavity.

Swollen gums: In some cases, the gums around the cavity may become swollen or inflamed.

Pus formation: A pus-filled cavity can lead to a tooth abscess, which can cause severe pain and swelling.

As cavities get bigger, they can lead to unwanted complications, such as infections, abscesses, and even tooth loss.

It’s important to note that not all cavities cause pain.

Sometimes, cavities can be detected by your dentist during a routine exam before you experience any symptoms.

Types of Cavities and How They Might Feel

There are different kinds of cavities. Each kind of cavity has its own special signs and symptoms.

• Pit and fissure cavities: These cavities form in the pits and grooves of the teeth, often in the back molars. They can cause pain when chewing and may lead to tooth abscesses.
• Smooth surface cavities: These cavities develop on the smooth surfaces of the teeth, such as the front and sides. They can cause sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods and drinks.
• Root cavities: These cavities occur in the roots of teeth, often in older adults with receding gums. They can cause pain and sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold beverages.

How Do You Know if The Pain is From Cavity or Other Dental Issues?

It can be challenging to distinguish between cavity pain and other dental problems, such as gum disease or a tooth abscess. However, there are some key differences:

• Gum disease: Gum disease typically causes pain, swelling, and bleeding gums. It may also lead to bad breath and loose teeth.
• Tooth abscess: A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of a tooth. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever.

If you’re unsure whether you have a cavity or another dental issue, it’s best to consult with a dentist for a proper diagnosis.

When to See a Dentist

Repairing a cavity involves early detection and treatment. Cavities can get worse quickly, so it’s important to find them early. If you catch a cavity early, a dentist can fix it with a filling or other treatment. But if you wait too long, the cavity might get really bad and you might need a root canal or even lose the tooth. That’s why it’s important to see the dentist for regular check-ups

At Mesa Street Dental, we’re dedicated to helping you maintain a healthy smile. Whether you’re in El Paso or connecting with us virtually, we’re here to provide the information and care you need.

Your smile deserves the best care. Contact us to schedule your dental appointment and experience the Mesa Street Dental difference.

You might also be interested in other resources related to cavities:

What Does A Cavity Look Like

Cavity vs Stain

How to Know If You Have Cavities

How to Fix a Cavity

Can Cavities Be Reversed