A Teenager's Guide to Braces

If you haven't had a cavity as an adult, then you may not have the first clue about what they feel like. As one of the most common oral conditions, the good thing about cavities is that they are easy to treat with a dental filling. But how can you tell if you need to go in to see your dentist for a cavity or if it's something that should clear up on its own? Read on to learn some more. 

Dull Pain

One of the biggest signs of a cavity is dull, throbbing pain in your jaw or your tooth. If you feel shooting sensations of pain (when you're not chewing), that's usually something else. On the other hand, if you feel a constant sort of dull pain, then it's likely a cavity. If you notice that the pain doesn't subside on its own after a day or two, then make sure that you go in to see your dentist as soon as possible; the longer you wait, the worse it can get. 

Difficulty Chewing

Another sign that you may have a cavity is if you are having difficulty chewing due to the pain. For instance, when you go to bite down with your tooth, do you get a shooting sensation of pain? And when you're not chewing, does it feel like a dull pain? Difficulty chewing due to the amount of pain you are experiencing can make you seem like you're never going to find relief from the pain you are experiencing, but as soon as you get your cavity taken care of, you should be back to normal. 

Swelling

In severe instances, you may experience some amount of swelling near the cavity. Usually, patients will experience swelling on their jawline or their entire cheek, which means that the cavity may have turned into something a little more severe like an infection. When you go in to see your dentist, they will not only treat your cavity but they will also give you some antibiotics if you do, in fact, have an infection. 

These are just a few of the different things for you to look for if you think you have a cavity. if you aren't sure if you have a cavity or not, make sure to schedule an appointment with a dental clinic like Sun Dental today. During your appointment, they will take a closer look at your tooth and help determine if you do have a cavity.