Do cavities always hurt of feel sensitive?

Question

Can there be other symptoms or signs--BESIDES a toothache or sensitivity?

Answer 1

The tooth has 3 layers - enamel, dentin and pulp, enamel being the outer hardest later. The cavities start hurting when the pulp gets exposed. It leads to sensitivity and pain bcoz the good and bacteria gets lodged, When the cavity deepens, the pain is tranferred to the area sorrounding the tooth...when worsens, you may end up loosing the tooth.

Answer 2

Cavities only start hurting once enough of the tooth has been decayed and the nerve is now exposed. Getting the cavity removed before it exposes the nerve doesn't usually hurt and the sooner you get it removed the better because it will continue to decay the longer you delay. Once it decays enough so the nerve is exposed, it will hurt when you eat anything, hurt when you drink anything, often just hurts all the time. The decay may go so deep into the tooth before it gets to the nerve, you'll need root canal--which involves a lot of very expensive work. Don't keep poking at your black spot either because you're just compromising the tooth more then the decay is--you don't want to be removing the enamel with any kind of scrapping or poking tool because it's the enamel that protects your teeth.

Answer 3

Some decay can be insipient (newly formed). Getting an exam and Xrays are the best way to be sure. Decay doesn't go away on it's own so I wouldn't let any thing go. You can have some symptoms other than throbbing pain. For example: when eating sweets you may notice small sensations. If you let it go until you do feel the achy pain then the decay has gone into the pulp of the tooth...then your looking at a root canal. Seeing the dentist now and paying for the little things can save you money in the future.

Answer 4

You can have a cavity for quite a long time before it begins to hurt. That's why it's wise to be seen by a dentist twice a year or so. The cavity can be found, sometimes only by Xray, and dealt with before it becomes painful.

Answer 5

the symptoms i always had with cavities ore very sensitive to cold or hot. and pain in my gum. but if you have one you should get it fixed as soon as possible. i had a cavity filled about 6 years ago and one day when i was eating it fell out, i dint think anything would happen so i waited to get it filled again bad idea it went all the way down to the nerve!! the most painful thing have ever had. i had to have my appendix taken out and my tooth hurt worse then that. i could sleep or anytihng i have to have it pulled out it had gotten so bad.so don't wait around with cavities get it fixed now before it gets really painful.

Answer 6

No, they don't have to always hurt. I just went to a dentist visit and my teeth weren't hurting at all this past year and they told me I had a cavity! The only way to know for sure is to get a check up :) Hope that helps.

Answer 7

Toothache or sensitivity are the main symptoms of a cavity.However if you let it go long enough,chronic bad breath and taste are also symptoms you should be aware of.If able,take a small dentists' mirror (also available at an auto parts store)and take a look at your hurting tooth.If dark spots or chipped teeth are found,schedule an appointment.To help with pain-until so,dab with hydrogen peroxide and rinse with rubbing alcohol.

Answer 8

They are often symptom-free. The first thing you notice may be sensitivity to sweets or cold stuff that only lasts for a second.

Answer 9

sometimes it hurts sometimes it doesn't hurt.same as same.i had allot so i brushed it was all gone not all but after i went to the dentist i only had 2 cavities.so brush everyday.see the dentis and be brave so it doesn't hurt i be brave so you have to be brave.good luck!email me at [e-mail]

Answer 10

Really look at your teeth with a mirror - you may see a dark spot.