What are the signs of dental decay?
What are the signs of dental decay?Preventing dental decay is one of the crucial ways to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. Healthy teeth are essential to better overall health and prevent other complications.
Clinical studies have discovered that tooth cavities and decay are among the world’s most common health problems. When left untreated, dental cavities get more extensive and more profound in the tooth, which can eventuate into tooth loss and gum disease. All age groups are susceptible to cavities, including infants.
What is a tooth cavity?
When the bacteria left from food and beverages build up on your tooth, it forms plaque. This bacteria gradually breaks down your tooth’s surface layer (enamel) and the inner layer (dentin), consequently leading to a tooth cavity. If neglected, cavities get more significant and deeper, affecting the nerves and gums.
What are the signs and symptoms of a tooth cavity?
There are several different indicators of tooth decay. Prematurely identifying tooth decay is vital since cavities can lead to tooth loss and gum disease.
Toothache
Toothaches can either be consistent pain or spontaneous without an apparent cause.
Sensitive teeth
Experiencing pain after eating or drinking sweets is often correlated with damaged enamel and possibly a cavity. Sometimes lingering discomfort in the affected area may occur after consuming sweets. Tooth sensitivity may increase when eating or drinking hot or cold consumables.
I can visibly see plaque and tartar on my teeth.
The build-up of food and liquids on the surface of teeth begins to accumulate, forming harmful bacteria known as plaque.
Dental plaque is a sticky substance that coats the surface of your teeth. Unremoved plaque hardens to become tartar (calculus). Tartar is a crusty substance that develops on the surface of your teeth. Tartar helps shield plaque, making it difficult to remove with standard tooth brushing or tooth picking.
Consequently, plaque acids attack your teeth’ enamel, weakening the outer layers. Once the outer layer is damaged, acids and bacteria attack your tooth’s vulnerable, sensitive interior.
Dental instruments are only capable of removing plaque and tartar. Therefore, reiterating the importance of visiting your dentist regularly.
A hole (pit) or spots on your teeth
The first phase of teeth’ outer layers weakening is surface staining. You may notice surface staining as spots of brown, black or white. As tooth decay begins to advance, stains become darker and more profound.
Unfortunately, patients will experience a hole or ‘pit’ in their tooth when left untreated. Dentists identify unseen cavities using oral mirrors, special instruments and x-rays. Pits between teeth cannot be seen or felt, although you will still experience sensitivity and pain from the cavity.
Bad breath (halitosis)
Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of bad breath.
Harmful acids and bacteria are the collections of old food and liquid particle in your mouth. This accumulation of trapped bacteria releases foul-smelling gases.
You may also experience an unpleasant taste in your mouth that contributes to bad breath.
Swollen gums or face
Swelling (inflammation) of the cheek, gums, or tooth is a sign of oral infection. Gum swelling can often be linked to bacterial infection, otherwise known as gum abscess.
However, it is essential to visit a dentist if swelling persists to determine if it’s caused by an oral hygiene-related problem or a serious underlying health condition that may require medical intervention.
When to see a dentist near me?
Suppose you can see or feel a cavity forming on your tooth, particularly if you’re experiencing oral pain. In that case, it is crucial to visit your nearest dentist for treatment.
Dentists can identify decay early, look for soft spots, and use x-rays to examine between your teeth. Preventing and treating early cavities can stop more significant and costly problems from advancing. Contact your closest dentist below:
- Nerang dentists in Gold Coast
- Jimboomba dental
- Bray Park dentists in North Brisbane
- Wynnum dentistry
- Logan dentists in South Brisbane
What is the treatment for tooth decay?
- Scale and Clean (this may be sufficient for patients in the first surface phases of decay)
- Dental Filling
- Root Canal Therapy
- Dental Crown
- Gum Disease Treatment (periodontics and endodontics)
Practising good oral hygiene habits at home, combined with routine dental check-ups, will help ensure that your teeth remain happy and healthy in preventing dental decay.
