How can I tell if I have a cavity?

Question

I have this small ache on one of my teeth when I bite down, but I got my braces tightened a couple days ago. I can't be sure whether it hurts because of my braces of because something might be wrong with my tooth. I brush my teeth twice a day and floss every night, but I just want to be sure.

Answer 1

My dentist told me this and you can try it yourself. Take something metal with a thin, sharp, pointy tip (like a toothpick) and press it down on the tooth you suspect has a cavity. Then lift it up quickly and if there's resistance like there's something sticky on the tooth, it's an indicator of a cavity.

Answer 2

If it goes away, it's not a cavity.

If you keep having pain in your tooth for more then a day or two, I suggest calling the dentist or orthodontist again.