Tooth Decay Symptoms
Our mouths are full of bacteria that form a film over the teeth and when not cleared away regularly, can turn into plaque. When plaque is allowed to build-up on the teeth, it produces an acid that eats away at the surface of the tooth. Plaque feeds off of the carbohydrates found in sugary foods and beverages and uses those carbohydrates for energy to produce tooth damaging acid.
As the plaque acid breaks down the outer tooth enamel, it makes its way into the dentin of the tooth and causes a cavity. Left untreated, bacteria can enter the pulp of the tooth and become very painful. Bacteria can cause further damage by creating a dental abscess and even spread to the jaw bone.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
It is possible to have tooth decay without experiencing any pain but some symptoms you may notice include:
- Tooth sensitivity with hot, cold or sugar
- Bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Brown, gray, or black spots on your teeth
- Toothache, either continuous and dull or sharp and occasional
What are the symptoms of a cavity?
Once a cavity has formed, the symptoms you may experience will depend on how severe the cavity is and where it is. It is possible to have a cavity without any symptoms but as they get larger, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Toothache with sudden pain
- Tooth sensitivity or sharp pain when consuming hot, cold, or sugary food and beverages
- Visible holes in teeth
- White, brown, or black staining on the surface of a tooth
- Pain upon eating
How can I prevent tooth decay?
Actions as simple as good oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist greatly decrease your chances of developing tooth decay. It is also important to pay attention to your diet; sugary and starchy foods and beverages feed plaque and are not good for the teeth.
Bad habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol in excess also contribute to the deterioration of tooth enamel. If you experience chronic dry mouth, speak with your dentist about treatment.
At what point should I see a dentist?
Prevention is easier and less costly than treatment and visiting your dentist regularly allows them to catch decay before it spreads. Caught early, because conflicts with a simple filling but if left too long, patients may require endodontic treatment and possibly a crown.
Decay and cavities can be seen and dental x-rays so it is important to let your dentist take x-rays at least once a year for back teeth and every 5 to 7 years for all of your teeth. Since it is possible to develop a cavity without experiencing any pain, these regular visits are crucial for early detection. If you do find yourself experiencing symptoms of decay or a cavity, it is important to get to your dentist as soon as possible before the problem worse than to a point that you need more extensive treatment or before the tooth may be lost.
More on Tooth Decay : Causes of Tooth Decay
