How to Tell If You Have a Cavity (Before It Hurts)

Most people think they don't have a cavity unless their tooth hurts. Unfortunately, by the time you feel a toothache, the decay has likely already penetrated deep into the tooth, possibly reaching the nerve.

The goal is to catch cavities when they are small and painless. Here are the early warning signs to watch for.

Do you feel a quick 'zing' when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee? Or a mild ache when you eat sugary candy? This specific sensitivity often means the enamel has been compromised, allowing stimulation to reach the sensitive dentin underneath.

Inspect your teeth in the mirror. A white, chalky spot is an early sign of mineral loss. A brown or black spot usually indicates active decay. If you can see a physical pit or hole, you definitely need to see a dentist immediately.

If floss always shreds in the same spot, or if food consistently gets trapped between two specific teeth, it might be getting caught in a cavity hidden between the teeth (interproximal decay).

Does your tongue keep finding a rough or jagged spot on a tooth that used to be smooth? Decay can cause the enamel to chip or flake away, leaving a rough surface.