Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a condition that has a great impact on your teeth’ structure and general health. This condition occurs when plaque builds up on the teeth, and it produces acid. It is essential to know the symptoms of tooth decay so that you can visit your dentist before the condition worsens. Let’s find out what dental cavities are, tooth decay symptoms, and treatment methods.

Understanding Dental Cavities

Tooth decay or cavities occur when bacteria infect the innermost dentin leading to erosion of the tooth enamel. Certain foods such as sugary foods and plaque buildup tend to erode the sensitive enamel, causing tooth decay. Bacteria enter through the worn-out enamel and result in the tooth cavity.

Tooth Decay Symptoms

It is very important to visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups. During the check-up, the dentist might detect cavities. They might also perform a dental x-ray to check whether there are signs of cavities and confirm tooth decay. Cavities may occur on any side of your tooth, but they commonly occur on the back teeth. Here are common tooth decay symptoms.

1. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Drinks and Food

When tooth enamel begins to erode, it exposes the dentin. Dentin is the hard tissue layer that is more porous, and it leads to issues with sensitivity. The reason being, hot, sticky, acidic, and cold foods stimulate the nerves and cells in your tooth since the dentin’s shield is worn out. If you notice that your tooth produces a sharp pain after taking a cold or hot drink, you might have a cavity.

2. Unpleasant Taste and Bad Breath

The main cause of cavities is bacteria which compromise your tooth. The bacteria, a microorganism, produces waste products that result in unpleasant taste and bad breath. Visit your dentist for a check-up if you cannot stand to mask your breath due to the bad odor.

3. Visible Spots on Teeth

The development of a dental cavity can lead to a black, dark or brown spot on the tooth. You may also notice white spots, which reflect decalcification, or demineralization, which leaves teeth susceptible to cavities. You may mistake these spots for staining and assume it’s a minor issue. However, these spots get bigger, and that is a sign of tooth decay. Whenever you notice unfamiliar spots and light marks on your teeth, visit your dentist as this could signal tooth decay.  

4. Holes on Your Teeth

The bacteria causing tooth decay will eventually eat your tooth resulting in small holes. Holes on your teeth are a sign of tooth formation, which might require filling. You may feel a hole when you pass the tongue over the teeth’ surface. You might have holes in crevices which you can’t see in a mirror or feel. However, pain and sensitivity will alert you that something is not right.

5. Swollen and Bleeding Gums

If you have a cavity close to the gum line, the tooth infection may affect the gum tissues. This may lead to swollen and bleeding gums, particularly when flossing or brushing. Bleeding gums may also signal gingivitis, so it is important to visit your dentist.

6. Toothache and Discomfort

Decayed teeth tend to be painful. Eating with an infected tooth without experiencing pain is hard. You might even find that brushing and flossing are difficult due to sensitivity and pain.

7. No Symptoms

A small cavity might not depict any symptoms. This makes it difficult to realize you have a cavity unless the doctor detects it during the regular check-ups. Failure to notice the issue will worsen it, leading to the severe symptoms discussed above.

What to Do to Correct the Tooth Decay Problem

The solution for tooth decay will depend on its stage. If it is in the early stages, the dentist will suggest checking your diet to reduce sugar levels. They may put varnish, fluoride gel, or paste in the affected area. Fluoride will help protect your teeth by making the enamel strong such that it can resist plaque and acids that cause tooth decay.

The dentist may also suggest a crown or a filling. During a filling, the dentist will remove the decayed part and then fill the tooth using porcelain and composite resins.

In the case that tooth decay is very severe such that it has affected your pulp, you will require a root canal procedure. Even a root canal may fail to solve the tooth decay problem, and the only solution is tooth extraction. Once the tooth is extracted, ensure after healing, you replace it with a denture, dental implant, or bridge.

Concerned About Tooth Decay

?It is important to pay regular visits to the dentist so that you can get treated early enough if there is an underlying issue. Also, watch out for the above symptoms and if you experience any of them, visit your dentist. Treating tooth decay before it gets severe will save you from lots of suffering, discomfort, and pain. If you live in the Metro Detroit area, contact Fortson Dentistry at any of our locations to schedule an appointment.