Tooth decay often goes unnoticed, but there are a few possible warning signs.
One of the best ways to prevent tooth decay — or at least catch it in its early stages — is to see your dentist for regular dental check-ups. Tooth decay, which is often caused by the build-up of plaque, leads to cavities over time, which are holes in the teeth that usually start small and get larger if they are left untreated. So, how do you know if you have tooth decay? The best bet is to see your dentist regularly, as they will be able to identify the issue for you. There are, however, a few warning signs you can look out for.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Tooth decay often goes unnoticed and might only be identified by your dentist with the help of an x-ray. If, however, a cavity is left untreated and continues to develop, you might begin to notice some uncomfortable symptoms. These include toothache, which might worsen whenever you eat something hot, cold, or sweet; tooth sensitivity, which is especially triggered by extreme temperatures; and discoloured spots on the affected tooth. If you notice some discolouration because of tooth decay, you’re likely to see either a white or dark spot on the tooth.
Cavities are essentially holes in the teeth, and in some cases, these holes are visible to the naked eye. If you notice a hole or crack in your tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.
Other possible symptoms of tooth decay include swollen and/or bleeding gums, as well as persistent bad breath.
What does a cavity look like?
When food debris and harmful bacteria are left to accumulate on the teeth, they form plaque, a sticky substance that coats the teeth and gum line. It is important to remove plaque regularly — if left in the mouth, it can lead to gingivitis.
Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums and can also contribute to the development of tooth decay. If you have noticed some gum tenderness or toothache, these could be warning signs that you have a cavity.
If you have a cavity, you might be able to see a small white spot on the affected tooth. This is caused by a process known as demineralisation, in which important minerals are lost from the damaged tooth.
What causes tooth decay?
Cavities are small holes in the teeth that occur as the result of permanent damage. Also known as tooth decay, cavities can be caused by a combination of factors. These include the build-up of harmful bacteria in the mouth, frequent snacking, the consumption of sugary drinks, and poor oral hygiene.
Tooth decay is a process that occurs over time. Every time that you eat something that contains sugar, harmful bacteria feed on the sugars and form plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that, if left to build up on the teeth and gums, can harden into tartar.
Plaque contains acids that remove minerals from the enamel in a process known as demineralisation. This leads to dental erosion and the development of cavities. As the decay continues, harmful bacteria and acids sometimes reach the pulp inside the affected tooth. This can cause considerable swelling and pain.
What are the risk factors for tooth decay?
There are a few factors that can increase one’s risk of developing tooth decay. Cavities are most common in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth because they have pits and grooves in which food particles can easily get stuck.
Certain foods and drinks, such as those that contain sugar and stick to the teeth for a long time, tend to cause tooth decay. Candy, soft drinks, crackers, and chips are among the most common culprits.
Frequent snacking can also increase the risk of tooth decay. This is because the habit allows bacteria to constantly produce acids that can damage the teeth. Similarly, sipping on sugary, acidic drinks throughout the day will keep your teeth covered in harmful acids.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. It is important to brush and floss regularly to get rid of plaque and food particles.
When should you see your dentist?
You should see your dentist for a routine check-up every six months. This will allow them to identify any potential issues in their early stages. But if you have noticed a possible symptom of tooth decay, don’t wait until your next appointment — rather see your dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist will probably recommend that you have a dental x-ray taken to confirm whether you have a cavity. They will then let you know what treatment is most suitable for your particular needs.
If you are particularly prone to tooth decay, your dentist might recommend that you have a fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens the enamel and makes it more resistant to acid attacks. It can also reverse the earliest stages of tooth damage if it is applied in time.
How can we help?
At Lara Smile Group, we offer a comprehensive range of general and preventative dental services. We encourage all our patients to come in and see us at least twice a year so that we can help them maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
To find out more about the full range of services we provide at Lara Smile Group, please have a look here. To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call at 03 5282 1681.