How to Know if You Have a Cavity

Cavities, or dental carries, are decayed areas of your tooth that turn into small holes. The MayoClinic.com reports that cavities are one of the most common oral health problems faced around the world. Cavities, if not treated, can cause infection, toothache and tooth loss. It is important to your overall health to maintain your oral health.

Things You'll Need

• Tooth decay
• Gum pain
• Bad breath

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Instructions

Oral Health: Do You Have a Cavity?

• 1

  Professional dental cleaning helps prevent tooth decay and cavities.

  Notice bad breath. Many things can lead to bad breath such as not brushing your tongue and, yes, cavities. Cavity is just another word for tooth decay, and decay (if ignored) allows bacteria to proliferate, leading to bad breath. When you start noticing bad breath and you are brushing your teeth and tongue every time you clean your mouth, you should see your dentist to allow him to check for cavities.

• 2

  Notice tooth pain. Tooth pain can be caused by tooth sensitivity, but it is often caused by tooth decay. These pains are usually evident if you have let a cavity go untreated for a long period of time and can be caused by simply trying to chew with the tooth that has the cavity. Cavities can usually be seen if you feel pain. You should alert your dentist if you are experiencing a tooth ache that isn't caused by tooth sensitivity.

• 3

  Notice any holes or dark spots in your teeth. When cavities have gone for long periods of time without treatment, they are usually visible. An ignored cavity will usually be a dark spot on your tooth, although sometimes it's an area lighter than the rest of the tooth, or a hole in the affected tooth. If you notice holes in your teeth, you should go to your dentist right away because an ignored cavity can affect your oral and overall health.