What Happens If You Ignore a Cavity?

Cavities are some of the most common issues dentists see. Almost 90% of adults have some degree of tooth decay. However, mild cavities often don’t have symptoms. But, as time goes on, pain and other problems can occur. 

Our team of advanced dentists at Hendricks Dental Specialists encourages you to get treatment for a cavity immediately. At our office in Brentwood, Tennessee, we can treat most cavities in less than an hour with fillings. 

Delaying treatment for a cavity could lead to more problems. The cavity may become challenging and more costly to treat. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore your cavities.

How cavities develop

Cavities are areas of tooth decay that develop on tooth surfaces, creating a small hole. They are caused by:

• Acid in your mouth that breaks down your enamel
• Plaque and bacteria that build up on your teeth
• Poor dental hygiene 
• Eating lots of sugar 

You can prevent cavities by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and getting a teeth cleaning once every six months from your dentist. 

Symptoms of cavities

Tooth decay on the enamel (the outermost layer of your tooth) typically doesn’t cause pain. However, as cavities get deeper into your tooth, you can experience symptoms. This is why it’s a good idea to treat a cavity sooner than later. 

As cavities worsen, you can experience:

• Toothache
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
• Gum inflammation and bleeding (gum disease)
• Bad breath
• A foul taste in your mouth
• A swollen face
• Visible stains on your teeth

If a cavity doesn’t cause symptoms, we can still see it during a routine dental exam. 

What happens when cavities get worse

Worsening cavities can lead to serious dental complications. When a cavity goes past the enamel, it can lead to:

Dentin damage

The dentin is the layer of tooth material beneath the enamel. When this area becomes decayed, the tooth can change color. The tooth is also more likely to be sensitive. 

Pulp damage

The pulp is the soft tissue inside your tooth that includes blood vessels and nerves that help the tooth grow. Pulp damage can cause severe tooth pain when biting down. Once decay reaches the pulp, you might need a root canal to remove the pulp. 

Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is a serious infection. Pus builds up around the root of the tooth, and your face and nearby lymph nodes become swollen. In rare cases, the infection can reach your bloodstream and cause an infection called sepsis.

Find out if you have cavities

Your best defense against cavities is regular exams and cleanings. To find out if you have cavities that need treatment, call Hendricks Dental Specialists or request an appointment online for your next exam.