Do I Have A Cavity?

Do I Have A Cavity?

Do I have a Cavity?


Cavities are holes in teeth caused by the harmful bacteria found in tooth decay. Even though cavities are very common, you can avoid getting cavities by doing a thorough job brushing and flossing and by visiting your Lincoln dentist every six months for routine exams. It can be difficult to know if you have a cavity because cavities can be hard to see and often don’t cause any symptoms until the decay has reached beyond the outer portion of the teeth called enamel. Here are a few telltales signs to watch for that could indicate you have a cavity that needs to be treated!

Tooth Pain


Do you have a tooth that is causing you pain now and then? Maybe you feel some pain when biting down on hard food. Perhaps you’re awakened in the middle of the night with tooth pain that seems to come out of nowhere. Tooth pain is a clear sign that you may have a cavity that you simply can’t see.

Tooth Discoloration


A tooth that has become discolored is a possible sign of a cavity. Tooth discoloration that looks gray or brown is a sign that bacteria may have invaded the inside of your tooth. You should visit your Lincoln dentist as soon as possible so the bacteria cannot go further down into the nerve to cause more problems like an infection and severe pain.

Tooth Sensitivity


A tooth that’s sensitive whenever you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet, is a tooth that could have a cavity. You may feel an uncomfortable tingling or ‘zing’ in your tooth when you consume something hot, cold, or sugary or even when you breathe in hot or cold air.

Bad Breath and an Unpleasant Taste in Your Mouth


The same bacteria that causes cavities also cause bad breath. If you notice a strange, unpleasant taste in your mouth and have foul-smelling breath even after brushing and flossing, you need to get to your dentist’s office as soon as possible for an exam as it’s possible you have a cavity.

Puss


Pus is never a good thing to see anywhere, including around a tooth! Pus around a tooth could be the result of a deep cavity or an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms around the root of a tooth. If left untreated, an abscess can lead to a high fever, severe pain, and even swollen glands or worse.

Contact Your Favorite Lincoln Dentist


If you notice any of the above signs, we urge you to request an appointment with us today so Dr. Sowers can examine your mouth. If she does find a cavity, she may recommend treatment. At our practice, we offer our patients composite fillings that are tooth-colored, for better aesthetics. We hope to hear from you soon!