Your teeth are strong, but sometimes they send signals that something isn’t quite right. You might feel a twinge of sensitivity or a dull ache you can’t ignore. These feelings are your body’s way of throwing up its hands and trying to get your attention, and they often point to a common dental issue that your dentist can help address.
5 signs you may need a filling include:
- A persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets
- A visible hole or dark stain
- A chipped or broken tooth
- Pain when you bite down
These signs can often indicate a cavity, which is a small hole in your tooth that requires a filling. By learning to recognize these signals, you can address the problem early during a routine dental exam and keep your smile comfortable.
What Is a Cavity?
You may hear the words cavity and tooth decay used a lot. In simple terms, a cavity is a small hole that forms in your tooth. It happens when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up. Those bacteria feed on sugars from your food, create acids that wear away your tooth’s outer layer, and can even contribute to bad breath.
Your teeth often give you little signals when something is not quite right. Pay attention to these signs, as they could point to a cavity that needs care.
1. A Persistent Toothache
Pain is one of the most direct ways your body communicates a problem. A toothache related to a cavity can feel like:
- A dull, constant ache
- Sharp, sudden pain without a clear reason
- Throbbing discomfort in or around a tooth
If the pain is severe or sudden, it could be a sign that you need emergency dental care.
2. Sensitivity to Hot, Cold & Sweets
We sure love that first sip of hot coffee and bite of ice cream, but maybe not when it’s accompanied by a zap of pain. This kind of sudden tooth sensitivity often happens when your tooth enamel wears down, exposing the sensitive layer beneath. This exposure causes that sharp discomfort when your tooth meets certain foods and drinks.
3. A Visible Hole or Dark Stain
Sometimes you can see evidence of a cavity. You might spot a small, dark speck on your tooth that does not brush away. While some stains can be addressed with professional teeth whitening, a dark spot could also be a cavity. In other cases, you may be able to feel a rough spot or a small hole with your tongue.
4. A Chipped or Broken Tooth
A cavity weakens your tooth from the inside out. This weakness can cause a portion of the tooth to chip or fracture unexpectedly, even when eating soft foods. A sudden break is a clear sign to have your tooth looked at, as it may be considered a dental emergency.
5. Pain When You Bite Down
If you feel pain when you chew your food, it could mean a cavity is present. The pressure from biting puts stress on the weakened tooth structure, which can cause sharp pain and make mealtime uncomfortable.
What to Do if You Notice These Signs
If any of these signs sound familiar, the next step is to schedule a dental exam. A check-up allows our dental team to assess your oral health and identify the cause of your discomfort. A simple filling is often all that’s needed as part of a restorative dental care plan to restore your tooth’s health and function.
Tips for Cavity Prevention
You can take simple, active steps to protect your family’s teeth from decay. Good oral hygiene habits are the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. A few helpful habits include:
- Brush and floss your teeth daily using the proper technique.
- Enjoy sugary drinks and snacks in moderation.
- Schedule a regular teeth cleaning and check-up.
Your Family’s Partner in Oral Health
Your oral health is a key part of your overall well-being. At Marks Dentistry, our team is here to help your family maintain healthy smiles. From routine fillings to cosmetic services, you have options to reach your smile goals. If you notice any of these signs, reach out to schedule your next appointment.
