How to Tell If You Have a Dental Cavity: Early Warning Signs

A woman holding her jaw in pain

Cavities often form without any obvious symptoms, especially in the beginning. In many cases, you might not experience any pain until the decay progresses. As soon as you experience a toothache as a result of a cavity, you should look up ‘Ault dentist near me’ to limit any dental damage.

 

How to Spot a Cavity

Here are some common signs of a developing cavity, according to one of the top Ault dental clinics.      

1. Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitivity to hot or cold foods may signal a cavity. As enamel wears down, it exposes dentin, which connects to the nerve, causing discomfort.

2. Visible Holes or Pits in Your Teeth

A tiny rough patch or spot on your tooth might not seem like much at first, but it can turn into a visible hole or pit over time. You may even feel an uneven surface when running your tongue over your teeth.

Some cavities hide in tricky spots, like deep grooves or between teeth, where they’re harder to detect. Even if you can’t see them, you might experience sensitivity or mild discomfort.

3. Staining or Discoloration

Unusual stains on your teeth—whether brown, black, or white—can be an early warning sign of a cavity. These spots appear when acids from bacteria start breaking down the enamel.

As the enamel weakens, minerals are lost, leading to further decay. If left untreated, these stains can develop into cavities.

4. Bad Breath or Unpleasant Taste

A lingering bad taste or unpleasant breath happens when bacteria and food debris get stuck in a damaged tooth, causing odor and discomfort.

5. Tooth Pain

A toothache that won’t go away might indicate the presence of a cavity. The pain can be constant or triggered by eating, especially when chewing.

Book an Appointment

Severance Dental offers expert care for cavities and overall oral health. From fillings and crowns to veneers and orthodontics, our Ault dental clinic provides it all.

For critical cases, we work alongside specialists to ensure the best care. Schedule a visit with us for top-quality Ault cosmetic dentistry today! Find an Ault dentist near me.

Posted on Mar 10, 2025
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