Are cavities sticky?

Wait, does it really feel sticky to the touch? I was probing around a molar yesterday and it felt kind of soft, now I am really nervous. Has anyone else noticed this soft texture before going to the dentist?

I know how stressful it is to constantly check your teeth and worry about every small change. When the dentist uses that little instrument, a cavity can sometimes feel a bit 'sticky' or soft to them because the decay softens the hard enamel. Try not to worry, a quick checkup will clarify everything.

Yes, active tooth decay makes the normally hard tooth enamel feel soft or sticky to dental tools. You shouldn't try poking it too much with toothpicks though, as you might damage it further. Just let a professional look at it and put a clean filling.

My grandmother used to say that sticky foods like jaggery cause these cavities in the first place, but the soft, sticky spot itself is decayed dentin. It is best to have a dentist check it out properly. They have the right tools to treat it safely.