You take a sip of your morning coffee or a bite of ice cream, and a sudden, sharp twinge shoots through one of your teeth. Or maybe you notice a dull, lingering ache that you can’t seem to shake. These sensations can be confusing and uncomfortable, which is why our team at Pinnacle Dental believes in helping you understand what’s happening inside your mouth.
Often, these are the first clues that a cavity is forming. A cavity can feel like sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet things, a sharp pain when you bite down, or a constant, dull ache. However, in the early stages, it might not feel like anything at all. This is why regular dental exams are so helpful for catching issues early.
Early Signs & Symptoms of a Cavity
In the beginning, a cavity might not have any symptoms. However, as tooth decay progresses, you may start to notice some clear signs of trouble. If any of the following sound familiar, it could be time for a dental check-up.
- A sudden twinge of pain when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet.
- A sharp or sudden pain when you put pressure on a specific tooth while chewing.
- A dull, persistent ache that doesn’t seem to go away.
- A bad taste in your mouth or breath that lingers, even after brushing.
What a Cavity Looks & Feels Like
Sometimes you can spot signs of a cavity before you feel discomfort. Paying attention to how your teeth look and feel on your tongue can give you an early heads-up that something is amiss. Look for these visual and textural cues.
Visible Holes or Pits in Your Tooth
You might see a small hole or pit on the surface of your tooth. These spots can easily trap food particles and are a definite reason to see a dental professional. They’re a clear sign that the tooth structure has been damaged by decay.
Stains on Your Tooth Surface
A spot on your tooth that is a different colour—like chalky white, brown, or black—can be a sign of decay. While it could also just be a surface stain from food or drink, it’s always worth getting your tooth checked out to be sure.
A Rough Feeling on Your Tooth
If you run your tongue over your teeth and notice a new rough patch, this could be the start of a cavity. Cavities arise when the protective enamel starts to wear away, leaving a different texture behind.
Can a Cavity Heal By Itself?
This is a common question, and the answer depends entirely on how far the decay has gone. Your tooth enamel has a remarkable ability to repair itself with minerals from your saliva, but only up to a certain point.
The Earliest Stage of Decay
In the very first stage, a small, chalky-white spot might appear on your tooth. At this point, the decay hasn’t penetrated the protective tooth enamel. With good oral hygiene and fluoride treatments, it’s sometimes possible to stop the cavity from developing further.
When You Need Professional Care
Once a cavity has gone past the enamel and into the softer, inner layer of your tooth, it cannot heal on its own. At this point, the decay will only progress over time. It needs to be treated by a dental team to prevent more serious issues.
How a Dentist Treats a Cavity
If you have a cavity, your dental team has simple and effective ways to fix it. The goal is always to remove the decay and restore your tooth’s health and function. Your dentist in Calgary can help determine the right approach for you.
Dental Fillings
For most cavities, a filling is the standard treatment. Your dental team will first remove the decayed part of the tooth. Then, the area is cleaned and filled with a durable tooth filling material to restore its original shape and strength.
Crowns & Other Options
If a cavity is large enough, a filling might not be enough to support the tooth. In these cases, a dental crown—a cap that covers the entire tooth—may be used for protection. For more advanced decay, a root canal might be needed to save the tooth.
What to Do for Pain & Prevention
If you have tooth pain while you wait for your dental visit, a few simple remedies may provide temporary relief. At the same time, the easiest way to deal with cavities is to stop them from forming in the first place with a simple routine.
Tips for Temporary Relief
- Rinse with warm saltwater to help clean the area and reduce discomfort.
- Apply a cold pack to the outside of your cheek for 15-minute intervals to help with swelling.
- Try brushing gently with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to soothe exposed nerves.
Focus on Prevention
A consistent routine of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily removes the plaque that causes cavities. Regular visits to your dentist in Calgary are also key. Professional cleanings remove tartar that you cannot get at home, and exams help spot trouble early on. Regular dental exams and cleanings are the foundation of lifelong oral health. At Pinnacle Dental, our team helps make preventive care simple and comfortable for you. To keep your smile healthy, schedule your next check-up today.
