Gloss & Floss Answers · Oral Health & Prevention
How do I know if I have a cavity?
Direct answer
You may have a cavity if a tooth feels sensitive to sweet, cold or heat, food gets stuck, you see a dark spot or hole, floss tears between teeth or you get toothache. However, early cavities often cause no symptoms at all. A dental examination and sometimes X-rays are needed to detect decay between teeth or under old fillings.
Why cavities can be silent
Tooth decay starts when bacteria produce acids that dissolve minerals from enamel. At an early stage, the tooth may only show a white or dull area and may not hurt.
Pain often appears later, when decay has reached deeper dentine or comes close to the nerve. That is why regular examinations matter even when nothing hurts.
Possible signs of a cavity
- Sensitivity to sweet foods or drinks.
- Cold sensitivity in one tooth.
- Food trapping in the same place repeatedly.
- A visible dark spot, rough area or hole.
- Floss catching, tearing or smelling bad between teeth.
- Pain when biting.
- Toothache that comes and goes.
- Bad taste near a specific tooth.
Cavity symptom patterns
| Symptom | Possible meaning | Recommended step |
|---|---|---|
| No symptoms | Early decay or decay between teeth may still be present. | Attend routine examinations and X-rays when indicated. |
| Sweet sensitivity | Dentine may be exposed or decay may be progressing. | Book an examination. |
| Food trapping | A cavity, broken filling or open contact may be present. | Assessment and repair may be needed. |
| Visible hole or dark area | Decay may have broken through the enamel. | Book dental care promptly. |
| Lingering pain | The nerve may be irritated or inflamed. | Dental diagnosis is needed quickly. |
What happens at Gloss & Floss Dental Care®?
At Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Stockholm, we check the tooth surfaces, old fillings, gumline and spaces between teeth. X-rays may be recommended when decay between teeth or under restorations is suspected.
Treatment depends on the stage. Early demineralization may be managed preventively, while a true cavity may need a filling, inlay, crown or root canal treatment if deeper tissues are affected.
When should you seek care?
Book care if you see a hole, feel localized sensitivity, get food stuck repeatedly, have toothache or notice a filling edge that feels rough or broken.
Practical advice: Do not wait for strong pain. Smaller cavities are usually easier to treat than deep decay close to the nerve.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a cavity without pain?
Yes. Early or moderate cavities can be painless, especially between teeth.
Can X-rays show cavities?
X-rays can help detect decay between teeth and under some restorations, but they are used together with clinical examination.
Can a cavity heal by itself?
Early mineral loss may be stopped or reversed, but once a physical cavity has formed, it usually needs restoration.
Why does floss tear in one place?
A rough filling edge, tartar, decay or an open contact can catch floss and should be checked.
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Disclaimer
This article provides general information from Gloss & Floss Dental Care® in Stockholm. It does not replace a dental examination, X-ray assessment or diagnosis.
