How to tell if you have dental cavities?

Question

I'm juts one of the guys who's afraid of having cavities, so, I was wondering, if there is a way to tell if you have them.

I remember the old wives tale of sucking in air, and if there is pain, you have them. Does this still work?

Answer 1

#1 - go to the dentist annually

#2 - a dentist will tell if you have a cavity when he pokes your tooth with his dental tool. if it resists/sticks when he lifts the tool, it is a sign of decay/cavity.

Answer 2

Brush and floss everyday and go to the dentist for an exam. As for the sucking in air to find out you have a cavity, it's like you said, an old wives tale. You're teeth can hurt for a number of reasons and it is not always caused by a cavity. It could be caused by gingivitis, or receding gums. Some people just have sensitive teeth.

Answer 3

Cavities are often sensitive to sweets. Sometimes they will be sensitive to hot and cold...but temperature sensitivity is a bad sign. It normally means more than just having decay (it often means the decay is getting close to the nerve. If decay reaches the nerve, a simple filling won't work...you would need a root canal or an extraction. Constant pain means it has reached the nerve...sensitivity to hot and cold that lingers once the cold or hot source has been removed also means it has reached the nerve. Having said all this, most small areas of decay have no symptoms. SO the best way to check is to visit a dentist.

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How to tell if you have dental cavities?
I'm juts one of the guys who's afraid of having cavities, so, I was wondering, if there is a way to tell if you have them.

I remember the old wives tale of sucking in air, and if there is pain, you have them. Does this still work?

Answer 5

To make a self check for cavities by sucking in air is an eternal method. Another method would be to hold cold or hot water in mouth giving sufficient time gap. If there is sensitivity, you should contact your dentist without much delay to get the cause diagnosed and treated. Maintaining regular oral hygiene is anybody's sensible guess, to keep the problem at bay.

Answer 6

Well first off your tooth may first show up gray in color or you may get a milky white patch( which is called declassification)
and in a few days to week the decay may break through the enamel and remember just because you have a cavity doesn't mean that it will hurt

Answer 7

To catch cavities early, what I do is take a safety pin and poke around at each tooth. Especially where they chew your food (idk what that part is called). If you feel a sharp pain, it's definitely a cavity! But if it's still a small minor one the needle will slightly stick to the soft spot. Sorta like poking sticky tac with your finger I suppose. Oh, and a black hole in your tooth is a damn good sign :P

Answer 8

After graduating from high school, go to college and earn a bachelor's degree. During this time apply to dental school. Once you receive your dental degree and pass the licensing board, you will be able to diagnose dental cavities. Seriously, x-rays really help check for cavities between teeth. On your own, look for any changes in the appearance of the enamel on your teeth. If you see anything, go to the dentist and ask them to take a look. Pain is usually a good indicator, but may indicate sensitive teeth not decay.

Answer 9

You're teeth hurt & are senstive to hot & cold.

Answer 10

your tooth will hurt