{"id":1218,"date":"2026-01-13T09:50:50","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:50:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cliniquedentaire1935.ca\/?p=1218"},"modified":"2026-01-13T09:56:30","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T14:56:30","slug":"dental-cavities-symptoms-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cliniquedentaire1935.ca\/en\/blogue\/dental-cavities-symptoms-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Dental cavities: what are the symptoms and how are they treated?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Article verified and updated on January 13, 2026<\/em><\/p>

Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in the world. Although it is easy to treat when caught early, its symptoms are often subtle at first. At Clinique Dentaire 1935, we believe that an informed patient is a better-protected patient. Here is everything you need to know to recognize and treat tooth decay before it becomes painful.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The essentials in 30 seconds<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMain causes: Sugar, bacterial plaque, and sometimes a genetic predisposition (weak enamel).<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSymptoms: Painless at first, then sensitivity to cold\/heat, and finally sharp pain (toothache).<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTreatments: Remineralization for early cavities, filling, root canal treatment, or extraction for severe cases.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
  • \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrevention: Rigorous hygiene and a professional examination every 6 to 12 months are essential.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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    Why does tooth decay develop?<\/h2>

    Tooth decay is a demineralization of the tooth caused by acids produced by plaque bacteria when they consume sugar.<\/p>

    However, we are not all equal when it comes to cavities:<\/p>

    • The quality of saliva:<\/strong> It acts as a buffer to neutralize acids.<\/li>
    • The shape of the teeth:<\/strong> Deep grooves retain food debris more easily.<\/li>
    • Heredity:<\/strong> The hardness of enamel varies from one person to another.<\/li><\/ul>

      \u00a0<\/p>

      Evolution of symptoms and associated solutions<\/h2>

      The treatment of a cavity entirely depends on its stage of progression. The sooner you act, the less invasive the intervention will be.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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      \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n
      Stage of Decay<\/th>\n Symptoms<\/th>\n Recommended Treatment<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
      1. Enamel<\/td>\n Often none. Sometimes a chalky white spot.<\/td>\n Fluoride application (Remineralization).<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
      2. Dentin<\/td>\n Sharp sensitivity to cold, heat, and sugar.<\/td>\n Filling (Composite or Ceramic inlay).<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
      3. Pulp (Nerve)<\/td>\n Throbbing pain, persistent toothache.<\/td>\n Root canal treatment.<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
      4. Abscess<\/td>\n Swollen gums or cheek, fever.<\/td>\n Surgery or Extraction (Last resort).<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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      What to do if you suspect a cavity?<\/h2>

      Even if you don’t feel pain, some signs don’t lie:<\/p>

      • Unusual spots:<\/strong> A small white spot (demineralization) or black spot on the tooth.<\/li>
      • Dental floss snagging:<\/strong> If your dental floss always frays in the same spot.<\/li>
      • Sudden sensitivity:<\/strong> An annoyance when consuming sugary foods.<\/li><\/ul>

        Pro tip:<\/strong> Never wait for the pain to come. A cavity that hurts is already at an advanced stage.<\/p>


        How to prevent the appearance of cavities?<\/h2>

        Adopting the right reflexes often helps avoid going under the roulette:<\/p>

        • Brushing<\/strong>: 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste.<\/li>
        • Dental floss:<\/strong> Essential every nite to clean between the teeth, where the brush doesn’t reach.<\/li>
        • Diet:<\/strong> Reduce the frequency of sugary and acidic snacks.<\/li>
        • Professional cleaning:<\/strong> Only scaling can remove hardened plaque (tartar) that brushing can no longer remove.<\/li><\/ul>

          Modern treatment options<\/h2>

          At Clinique Dentaire 1935, we have abandoned the old gray fillings (mercury amalgam) for more esthetic and durable solutions:<\/p>

          • Composite (White Filling):<\/strong> A resin that hardens under special light. It chemically bonds to the tooth, which strengthens it.<\/li>
          • The Inlay (Ceramic):<\/strong> For larger cavities, we use custom-made porcelain pieces that offer superior strength compared to composite.<\/li>
          • Fluoride Varnish:<\/strong> For children and adults at high risk, this preventive treatment “boosts” the enamel’s resistance.<\/li><\/ul>

            Did you know?<\/h2>

            Dry mouth is one of the most overlooked risk factors. Without saliva to clean the teeth, a cavity can go from stage 1 to stage 3 in just a few months. If you are taking medication, talk to our team about it!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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            FAQ - Your questions about tooth decay<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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              Can a cavity disappear on its own?<\/h3>

              Only at the very initial stage (white spot on the enamel) thanks to intensive remineralization. Once a hole (cavity) is formed, only a dentist can intervene.<\/p>\t

            • \r\n\t\t\t\t

              Why do I have cavities even tho I brush my teeth?<\/h3>

              This may be due to your brushing technique, lack of flossing, dry mouth, or a diet high in hidden sugars.<\/p>\t

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              Is the treatment of a cavity painful?<\/h3>

              Thanks to modern anesthetics, care is now completely painless. At the 1935 Dental Clinic, we pay particular attention to the comfort of our anxious patients.<\/p><\/ul>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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              Take care of your smile in Montreal<\/h2>

              If you feel any sensitivity or if your last check-up was more than 6 months ago, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. The team at Clinique Dentaire 1935 welcomes you for an accurate diagnosis and gentle care.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              Article verified and updated on January 13, 2026 Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases in the world. Although it is easy to treat when caught early, its symptoms are often subtle at first. At Clinique Dentaire 1935, we believe that an informed patient is a better-protected patient. Here is everything you need […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1216,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1218","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat are the Symptoms of Dental Cavities?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to quickly recognize the symptoms of dental cavities and discover the appropriate treatments in this article from Clinique Dentaire 1935!\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cliniquedentaire1935.ca\/en\/blogue\/dental-cavities-symptoms-treatment\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" 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