Most of us have had at least one cavity in our lifetime, and we’re all aware that regular brushing and flossing, along with periodic teeth cleaning, can keep cavities at bay. But what are the most common signs of a cavity? Our local dentists in Rochester, Minnesota, have identified five of the biggest.

Before we address the most common signs of a cavity, let’s discuss the nature of a cavity. The basic explanation is that a cavity is a “hole” in a tooth, but there’s more to it than that. When you consume a food or beverage that contains sugar or starch, the bacteria in your mouth uses these substances to produce acids, which then begins eroding the enamel covering your teeth. This erosion can be countered through naturally occurring minerals in the saliva, i.e. phosphate and calcium, as well as via fluoride in toothpaste, mouthwash, and water.

Unfortunately, if the intake of sugary or starchy substances outweighs the combination of natural minerals and external substances, the enamel will wear away and a cavity begins to form. Which leads us to five signs of a cavity, beginning with:

Beneath the enamel is a layer called dentin. If a cavity reaches the dentin, you may begin to feel sensitivity in the affected tooth. This sensitivity is especially pronounced when you consume hot substances, indulge in sweets, or ingest acidic foods. Dentin decay is serious business, and requires the immediate attention of our general dentist serving Rochester, Minnesota.

People with a cavity will at times experience an unpleasant taste in the mouth. This is due to the acid-producing bacteria mentioned earlier on, and the byproducts released by the bacteria as it breaks down sugary or acidic foods.

As a cavity develops, it’s not uncommon for a white spot to appear on the affected tooth. This white spot is an indication that minerals have been lost from the affected tooth’s enamel. Up until a point, enamel can repair itself via healthy, saliva-based minerals, as well as fluoride. However, as more enamel is destroyed, the white spot might turn gray, brown, or black. This is a sign of tooth decay, a problem that requires prompt action.

Bad breath is an extension of the “unpleasant taste” we covered in sign #2. Food particles trapped in the mouth are eventually broken down by bacteria, a process that can result in an unattractive smell. Unfortunately, you might not notice this smell yourself, and your friends or family might be hesitant to tell you. A good test for bad breath is to lick your wrist with the back of your tongue. Wait for the saliva to dry and then smell your wrist. If there’s an unpleasant odor, chances are your breath smells the same way.

Toothaches are symptomatic of cavities, but the pain level depends on how long the cavity goes untreated. During the first stages of decay, when the cavity wears away the enamel, pain isn’t a factor. But as the cavity spreads to the dentin and beyond, discomfort can occur during consumption of hot, cold or sweet foods, and even when these things aren’t being consumed. Left unabated, a cavity could eventually cause an infection or inflammation in the affected tooth’s root.

Circle Drive Dental offers its customers the full gamut of dental care, from dental exams and cleanings to dental bridges, Invisalign and teeth whitening in Rochester, MN. Contact Circle Drive Dental today to learn more about our services and to schedule a consultation with one of our friendly, experienced dentists.