When most people think of a cavity, they picture a sharp, agonizing toothache. While a deep cavity may eventually cause severe pain, that’s not typically how it starts out.
Cavities often grow for months without eliciting discomfort. If you wait until the pain gets bad, then treatment may be more extensive. So how can you know if you’re dealing with tooth decay?
At Hartsland Dental in Guelph, we encourage our patients to watch for these three subtle warning signs:
1. Food Repeatedly Getting Stuck in the Same Spot
Do you have to finish every meal with floss because food keeps getting wedged in the same spot? Many people don’t realize it, but this is a telltale sign of decay. Decay breaks down the side wall of a tooth, creating a small hole that can trap food. Another sign is if your floss keeps getting caught there and comes out shredded.
2. Sweet Food Sensitivity
Unlike cold sensitivity that lingers for minutes, sweet sensitivity is a classic sign of early enamel breakdown. Our patients describe it as a sharp zing after taking a bite of chocolate or a gulp of a sweet drink. Weakened enamel lets sugar reach the inner layer of your tooth, causing a temporary, painful shock.
3. Persistent Bad Breath in One Specific Area
Can you never seem to get rid of bad breath no matter how often you brush your teeth or scrape your tongue? Chronic bad breath is a side effect of bacteria, and one place they love to hide is an open cavity. As decay breaks down enamel and traps tiny food bits deep inside, normal brushing can’t reach them, leading to a lingering odour.
Catch & Treat Small Cavities Before They Start to Hurt
If you notice the signs above or worry you may have a cavity, the key is to act right away. Treating a cavity early is often faster and less expensive than letting it burrow deeper into the tooth. With fluoride treatment or a simple filling, we can stop the decay and renew your tooth.
Call Hartsland Dental today at 519-822-8320 or request your check-up online for cavity treatment in Guelph!
