07/15/2026
🦷 “But it doesn’t hurt…”
One of the biggest misconceptions in dentistry is that if a tooth doesn’t hurt, it must be healthy.
The truth? Most cavities don’t cause pain when they’re small.
A cavity begins by slowly breaking down the outer layer of your tooth (enamel). Since enamel has no nerves, you usually won’t feel anything at first.
As the cavity grows deeper into the dentin (second layer), you may start noticing:
• Sensitivity to cold or sweets
• Food getting stuck
• Occasional discomfort
By the time a cavity causes a constant toothache, it may have reached the nerve, often requiring much more extensive treatment such as a root canal or even an extraction.
That’s why regular dental exams and X-rays are so important. They allow us to find cavities before they become painful, more expensive, and more difficult to treat.
The best dental treatment is the one you never have to feel. 🩵
If it’s been a while since your last checkup, we’d love to help keep your smile healthy!
