Last Updated June 2021
A cavity is a decayed part of the tooth, and it can make itself known in a variety of ways depending on how serious it is and where it is in the mouth. Usually symptoms are not noticeable until the area of the decay gets larger. If and when symptoms do occur, they may include:
#1 Tooth Sensitivity
This pain can be mild or more severe, and strikes when you eat foods or drink beverages that are hot or cold. Even highly sweet foods and liquids can cause this painful sensation.
#2 Holes in Teeth
When you have a cavity, you may be able to see a hole in the tooth where the decay occurs.
#3 Toothache
This could be mild to severe pain in the tooth. This pain can be especially noticeable when you bite down.
#4 Stains
Dark stains on teeth that appear brownish or black could be another indication of a cavity.
#5 X-rays
Often, there are no distinguishable red-alert signs that you have a cavity, such as pain or holes, and it is an x-ray at a dental visit that illuminates the problem. This is just another reason to keep up with your regular 6-month dental checkups.