How to Tell If You Have a Cavity?

Cavities, one of the most common dental problems, form when plaque builds up on your teeth and produces enamel-eroding acids. If you leave them untreated, they cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. Since catching them early can save you from more complications, you have to ask yourself: “How to tell if you have a cavity?” The answer is actually quite simple. Keep reading our article to learn what signs to look for and what to do about them.

How to Check for Cavities?

At Central Valley Dentistry, we use modern tools to accurately diagnose dental problems. Let’s see how we answer the question, “How to tell if you have a cavity?”:

Visual Inspection

Any visible changes in your teeth’s color or texture can be early indicators of decay. So, we thoroughly examine the visible surfaces of your teeth to find any small pits, dark spots, or tiny holes. This dental examination in Arizona helps us detect issues that may be developing on the surface.

Probing the Teeth

Healthy enamel is hard, but decayed areas are soft or sticky. So, we may use a dental tool (explorer) to gently probe the enamel. This process helps us to identify early signs of cavities. How? If the tool sinks slightly or feels soft, it could mean that decay has weakened the enamel.

X-Rays

Our X-rays find cavities that aren’t visible to the naked eye. They provide deep and detailed images. The X-rays can also help us see if the decay has spread to the root or inner layers of the tooth.

Laser Detection

In certain cases, we may use advanced laser technology to detect cavities. This method helps identify even the smallest signs of decay. The laser is highly accurate and non-invasive; it can detect areas that may not yet show up during the visual exam or X-rays.

How to Check If You Have a Cavity at Home?

Although our dentists can do it, there are some signs of a cavity you can watch for at home:

• High teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods
• Sharp or consistent pain when chewing or biting
• Small, dark spots or visible holes on your teeth
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Pain or discomfort when biting down

Cavity Diagnosis at Home:

1. Use a mirror and good lighting to check for dark spots or holes.
2. Run your tongue over your teeth to find any rough or uneven surfaces.
3. Drink something hot or cold, and see if you have any unusual sensitivity.
4. Gently bite down to check for pain or pressure that might indicate decay.

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity with Braces?

If you wear braces, spotting a cavity is much more challenging. But no worries. Let’s check for cavities even with braces together:

• Increased sensitivity near your brackets or wires
• Pain when eating or chewing
• Dark spots or rough patches on your exposed teeth

Telling If You Have a Cavity with Braces

1. Drink cold or hot liquids and wait for signs of any increased sensitivity near your braces.
2. Gently chew food and check for any discomfort or pain.
3. Use a mirror and good lighting to check out tooth surfaces around the braces for spots or rough textures.

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity vs. Staining?

Telling the differences between a cavity and a stain can sometimes be difficult. But let’s try it. Here’s how you can tell the difference between the two:

• Cavities are often dark brown or black spots. But stains tend to be lighter in color. They range from yellow to brown and often appear on the surface.
• Cavities feel rough or soft to the touch. But stains feel smooth and usually don’t affect the tooth’s texture.
• Stains don’t cause any pain. But cavities often cause discomfort, especially when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet.

If you’re unsure if you’re dealing with a stain or a cavity, you better consult our dentists. Call us at (602) 246-0385 now! Early diagnosis helps you avoid more extensive treatments later.

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity on Your Front Teeth?

Fortunately, cavities on front teeth can be easier to spot visually. But let’s find a cavity in the front teeth together. Symptoms include:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods on your front teeth
• Small pits or dark spots on your front teeth surface
• Your front teeth may feel rough or have small holes
• Pain in your front teeth when you bite into food or apply pressure

How to Check?

1. Use a mirror and bright light to check out your front teeth up close. Look for dark spots, pits, or discoloration.
2. Drink something cold or hot to see if your front teeth react with sensitivity.
3. Run your tongue over your front teeth to detect any rough spots, holes, or changes in texture.
4. Gently press on your front teeth to check for pain, which could signal decay.

Cavity Diagnosis in Phoenix, Arizona

If you cannot say if you have a cavity, simply visit Central Valley Dentistry for a professional diagnosis. Our latest technologies let us detect cavities early and offer the best cavity treatments for you. Call us at (602) 246-0385 to schedule your appointment today. Cavities are no joke! So, don’t wait until they become big problems.

Conclusion

Cavities start small but grow into bigger issues. So, seek regular check-ups to help you catch cavities early. If you notice any pain, sensitivity, or dark spots on your teeth, visit us at Central Valley Dentistry for a thorough exam and personalized treatment plan.

FAQs

How to tell if you have a cavity between your teeth?

It’s hard to spot a cavity between teeth without professional help. Sensitivity, pain when biting, and bad breath are signs of possible decay between teeth.

How to tell if you have a cavity without a dentist?

Look for common signs like tooth sensitivity, dark spots, and pain when chewing. However, only a dentist can give an accurate diagnosis.

Can a cavity go away on its own?

No, cavities don’t heal on their own. Early-stage decay can be managed with fluoride treatments, but once a cavity forms, it needs professional treatment.