Majority of cavities are completely painless – because the outer enamel has no nerves and it is only when the cavity enters the dentin that one may be aware of its existence. The most common symptom is an increased sensation to cold and/or sweet foods or beverages. The cavity weakens the tooth and can cause a fracture when biting down.
It is better to treat a small cavity than to wait until they feel pain. By that time, the cavity may have infected the dental pulp, requiring a root canal or an extraction. Regular dental examinations will reduce the probability that a dental cavity goes undetected and spread.
