Cavities, also known as dental caries, are among the most common dental issues affecting people of all ages. While many assume that cavities always cause pain, the truth is that they often start silently, until the damage reaches a critical point. Understanding how cavities develop and when they begin to cause discomfort is key to preventing more serious oral health issues.

Let’s take a deeper look at how cavities form, when they start causing pain, and what you can do to get tooth pain relief.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a small hole that forms in the enamel of your tooth. It’s caused by a combination of factors, including plaque buildup, sugary or acidic foods and drinks, and poor oral hygiene. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that feeds on sugars and produces acids that wear down tooth enamel. Over time, this erosion creates a cavity.

Why Cavities Can Be Painless at First

In the early stages, a cavity may not cause any symptoms. That’s because the outer layer of your tooth enamel doesn’t contain nerves. So, as long as the decay remains limited to this layer, you probably won’t notice it. That’s why regular dental checkups are so important; your dentist can detect and treat cavities early, long before they become a source of toothache.

When Does a Cavity Start Hurting?

Cavities begin to hurt when the decay penetrates beyond the enamel and reaches the dentin, the softer layer beneath. Dentin contains tiny tubules that connect to the inner pulp, which houses the tooth’s nerves. Once decay hits this level, you may start to experience:

Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
Sharp or throbbing tooth pain
Discomfort when biting down or chewing
Spontaneous mouth pain

As the decay progresses further into the pulp, the pain typically intensifies. At this stage, an infection or abscess can develop, potentially leading to swelling, fever, and severe discomfort.

How Cavities Cause Tooth Pain

The pain associated with a cavity is primarily due to inflammation and nerve exposure. As bacteria invade the dentin and pulp, the body responds with an inflammatory reaction. The confined space inside a tooth limits the ability of this swelling to expand, which puts pressure on the nerves, leading to pain.

Additionally, once a cavity reaches the pulp, the nerves become exposed to bacteria and their toxic byproducts. This is why the pain may feel sharp, pulsating, or constant. Without treatment, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and even into the bloodstream—a serious condition that may require emergency dental care.

Signs You May Have a Cavity

While not all toothaches are caused by cavities, here are some warning signs that a cavity might be the culprit:

Persistent or spontaneous toothache
Pain when eating sweets or drinking hot or cold beverages
Visible holes or pits in your teeth
Discoloration or staining on the surface of a tooth
Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, especially tooth pain, don’t delay. Early intervention can prevent further damage and more costly procedures.

What to Do If You Have Cavity-Related Tooth Pain

When you're suffering from a toothache, the first step is to call a dentist. In Portland, you can contact a provider offering same-day appointments for emergency tooth pain relief.

In the meantime, here are a few ways to manage discomfort:

Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek
Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods
Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation

While these steps can temporarily ease mouth pain, they don’t treat the underlying problem. A dentist will determine whether a filling, crown, root canal, or extraction is needed.

How to Prevent Cavities

The best way to avoid tooth pain from cavities is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some basic steps:

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
Limit sugary snacks and drinks
Drink water throughout the day to rinse your mouth

Need To See The Dentist?

Cavities are a leading cause of tooth pain, but they don’t have to be. Recognizing the signs early and seeking prompt dental care can make all the difference. If you're dealing with a painful cavity or unexplained mouth pain, don’t wait—reach out to us who can provide fast, effective toothache treatment today.