Can you have tooth decay with no pain?

Symptoms of tooth decay Tooth decay may not cause any pain. However, if you have dental caries you might have: toothache – either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause. tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet.

Can a small cavity cause pain?

When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as: Toothache, spontaneous pain or pain that occurs without any apparent cause. Tooth sensitivity.

What do dentists do with small cavities?

Very small cavities limited to the enamel, which we call “decalcification,” can be reversed with good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) and use of fluoride mouthrinse and toothpaste. Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride varnish, which is a sticky fluoride substance applied to your teeth in the office.

How do you rule out a cavity?

Signs of cavities include:

1. Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.
2. Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease.
3. Facial swelling.
4. Toothache or mouth pain.
5. Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods or drinks.
6. Redness around or inside the mouth.

What is a small cavity?

Dental cavities, or caries, are tiny holes in the hard surface of the teeth. They are caused by bacteria on the surface of teeth creating acid out of sugar. The most common culprit is a bacterium known as Streptococcus mutans. The bacteria form a sticky film known as plaque.

Can a small cavity cause tooth sensitivity?

Cavities start off small, but can cause tooth decay and other serious problems if they’re allowed to get bigger. If you notice any tooth sensitivity, pain, discomfort, discoloration, or holes in your teeth, don’t hesitate to call your dentist.

How do you know if a cavity has reached the nerve?

If you have a cavity that has reached the nerve tissue, you may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

1. Toothache when pressure (such as chewing) is applied to the tooth.
2. Tooth sensitivity to heat or cold.
3. Discoloration of the tooth.
4. Swelling or tenderness of the gums.

Is it possible to reverse small cavities?

The formation of small dental cavities can be reversed by a process called remineralization, when the deposition of minerals is applied to damaged areas of a tooth. Fluoride works by helping to remineralize your teeth in two ways, internally and externally.

Why do I have a toothache with no cavities?

This type of toothache occurs even when there’s no cavity to find. Dentin usually becomes exposed when there’s a wearing away of enamel or gum recession. These things can occur because of overbrushing, trauma, or another reason. If you have sharp tooth pain when you bite down on food, the cause could be a cracked tooth.

What happens to your teeth when you get a cavity?

But if the tooth decay process continues, more minerals are lost. Over time, the enamel is weakened and destroyed, forming a cavity. A cavity is permanent damage that a dentist has to repair with a filling.

What happens if you don’t get a cavity treatment?

This can lead to swelling and pain at the root of your teeth or even in the bone, especially when you bite down. In addition to a severe toothache, when left untreated, this kind of bacterial damage can cause infection and tooth loss. So, can you DIY a cavity treatment and avoid seeing a doctor?

What are the symptoms of a cavity?

In addition to sensitivity, you may experience cavity symptoms like a small white spot on your tooth or an actual hole on your tooth (which may become stained brown or black over time). Lastly, the determined bacteria and acid work their way down to the pulp of your teeth, which is the inner layer that contains nerves and blood vessels.