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What Does A Cavity Feel Like?

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Wondering if that tooth pain or sensitivity you feel is a cavity? According to the Canadian Health Measures Survey, a whopping 96 percent of Canadian adults have had a cavity, so it's a pretty common problem. If you're one of the lucky few who has never experienced tooth decay, you're probably curious about what a cavity feels like. The answer depends on the stage of decay. Read on to learn what cavities feel like and what you should do if you start to feel cavity pain.

How to Tell If You Have a Cavity

Cavities, also known as dental caries, form when the bacteria in plaque feed off the sugars from the foods you eat and release acid. When not cleaned off quickly enough, this acid is strong enough to wear away your tooth's enamel. Because there are no nerves in the enamel, you probably won't be able to feel the cavity forming in the early stages of tooth decay. Once the decay has progressed enough to reach the softer tissues inside the tooth where the dentine and nerves are, you might start to notice signs of a cavity.

  • Tooth pain or sensitivity. The dentin contains microscopic tubules filled with tiny nerve endings. When this area is exposed, your teeth can become especially sensitive to hot, cold, acidic, and sugary (sticky) foods and beverages. It also might cause a toothache or sharp pain when you bite down.
  • Holes or pits in your teeth. When the enamel wears away, you may feel a rough patch on your tooth with your tongue. These holes and pits can also catch food, and — depending on the size of the cavity — you may even be able to see the evidence of it in your mouth.
  • Black, brown or white stains. Sometimes the food or drinks you consume can cause surface stains on your tooth; however, cavities can also appear as white, brown or black spots on your teeth. According to the Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association, early signs of decay include chalky white spots, that are reversible if treated. Over time and without treatment, the cavity will begin to look like a brown or black spot.

How are wisdom teeth extracted?

Your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum line, creating flaps to expose both the tooth and the underlying bone area. Any bone that blocks access to the tooth will be removed before the dentist or oral surgeon divides the tooth into sections, making it easier to remove.

The dentist removes the tooth and clears away any remaining debris from around the gum line or the bone. Then, the wound is stitched up. The dentist puts gauze over the extraction site to control any extra bleeding and help with clotting.

How to Treat Cavity Pain

If you think you have a cavity, you should make an appointment with your dentist immediately. Although cavities can be reversed in the earliest stages, only a dentist can treat them by the time you feel discomfort or pain. During your appointment, an x-ray will be taken to determine the extent of the decay. Depending on the severity of the cavity, you might need a filling. Very severe decay may require replacing the tooth with a crown, performing a root canal or extraction.

If you cannot see your dentist right away, try some of these home remedies and over-the-counter (OTC) medications to find temporary cavity pain relief while you wait.

  • Rinse with warm saltwater. Mix a teaspoon of salt with 225 grams (8 ounces) of warm water and rinse your mouth to clean food debris from the cavity and soothe inflammation. Avoid rinsing with hot or cold water since extreme temperatures can make cavity pain even worse.
  • Swab the area with clove oil. Clove oil contains an active ingredient called eugenol that acts as a natural anaesthetic and antibacterial to reduce inflammation in the mouth. Dip a small piece of clean tissue or cotton swab in the clove oil and gently wipe over the site of pain until it fades.
  • Brush with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush and an OTC desensitizing toothpaste to block off the nerve endings in the exposed dentine.
  • Take an OTC pain reliever. OTC analgesics like ibuprofen and paracetamol can temporarily relieve cavity pain but check with your physician to determine if they are okay for you to use.

Even if you're not sure if you have a cavity, regular professional cleaning and dental visits are important. A dental hygienist can apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the teeth and reverse the very early stages of decay. They can also give you tips on the best ways to brush your teeth and advise which foods increase your risk for cavities. As with many conditions, when it comes to cavities, taking preventative steps is a lot easier than treating the problem down the road.

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