
14/09/2025
Cavities often begin silently. In the early stages, when decay is limited to the enamel or just entering the dentin, there may be no pain at all.
This can give a false sense of security, as the damage continues to progress unnoticed beneath the surface.
Once the decay advances deep enough to reach the pulp, where the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are located, the situation changes drastically. The bacteria and toxins trigger inflammation inside a closed space, leading to pressure on the nerve. This is when the pain suddenly shifts from mild or absent to sharp, throbbing, and often unbearable.
That is why waiting until pain starts is risky. By the time severe pain is felt, the tooth is already in advanced infection, often requiring root canal treatment or even extraction. Regular dental check-ups and early treatment of cavities can prevent reaching this painful stage