A cavity starts small and usually painless. Catching it early means a quick filling instead of a root canal or extraction later.
Warning signs
- A twinge when eating something sweet
- Sensitivity to cold drinks
- A white, brown or black spot on a tooth
- Food regularly getting stuck in one place
- A rough edge your tongue keeps finding
Why it's easy to miss
Decay often starts between teeth or in the grooves of back teeth where you can't see it. That's why check-ups and X-rays matter, even when nothing hurts.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please visit a dentist for advice about your own teeth.