Four Hidden Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Think you have a cavity? Watch for these four warning signs:

Floss Getting Caught Between Teeth

Cavities create physical holes inside of your tooth, leaving rough outer edges of enamel around the opening. Any time you slide floss down between your teeth and there’s a cavity, there is a good chance that the floss might shred or catch at that location. The floss might even break. It always seems to be at the same spot.

Something Feeling “Off”

You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something feels different about your smile. Maybe there’s a twinge when you bite down, occasional (yet sporadic) tooth sensitivity, or even your bite feels off. It could be a cavity.

Food is Always Getting Stuck in the Same Place

An open hole in your tooth is a great hiding place for food. Every time you chew or bite down, food particles can pack down into the cavity. In time, it can lead to gum irritation because of the extra debris shoved up between your teeth.

No Symptoms at All

That’s right. Not all cavities hurt or are symptomatic. It’s common for small areas of tooth decay to go completely undiagnosed until a dentist spots it during your exam or on an X-ray. By the time a tooth hurts or you can see a visible opening in your enamel, the cavity is quite advanced. Some large cavities will never hurt at all.

Early treatment for tooth decay keeps restorations smaller, less invasive to your healthy enamel, and more affordable. If you think you have a cavity or it’s been over six months since your last exam, book an appointment with Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today.