5 Signs of Tooth Decay You Should Be Looking Out For
Tooth decay can sneak up on you with little warning, and you don’t want to risk it going unnoticed. In fact, tooth decay is proven to weaken your immune system, increase your risk of diseases like heart disease and infection, and worsen existing conditions like diabetes and osteoporosis. The bottom line is you don’t want to leave tooth decay untreated.
At Asprakis & Danti Dentistry, our goal is to prevent cavities and tooth decay before they happen. We’ve put together a list of signs you need to be aware of to keep your dental health strong. Feeling pain or discomfort in your teeth? Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay or destruction occurs when you fail to clean your teeth properly, affecting both the inner and outer layers of the teeth (enamel and dentin, respectively). When plaque builds up on your teeth, it begins to eat away at the enamel. This causes discoloration and holes in your teeth, AKA cavities. Plaque comes from leftover food debris, bacteria, and acids–which is why regular brushing and flossing is absolutely essential.
Read our latest blog post for tips on executing proper oral hygiene and preventing tooth decay!
Signs You May be Dealing with Tooth Decay
1. Toothache or Pain in Your Mouth
A symptom of tooth decay you should never ignore is toothaches or pains. Pain can be circumstantial, such as if you bite into something hard, but if the pain remains or seemingly appears without a cause, it could be a sign of a larger issue.
2. Sensitivity
Sensitivity, especially when consuming cold or hot foods and beverages, is a big sign your teeth may be suffering. Sensitivity occurs when dentin, the inner layer of your teeth, becomes exposed, whether from a cavity, gum recession, or damage to the tooth. If you notice it becoming a trend, make note of what triggers it and report back to your dentist.
3. Tooth Discoloration
Check for any new grayish, brown, or black coloring among your teeth. If the discoloration does not go away after brushing, this is a sign that decay is present within the tooth.
4. Visible Holes in Your Teeth
Holes or pits in the teeth develop when cavities are present and indicate advanced tooth decay. This means that tooth decay is present and has gone untreated. If you notice any holes in your teeth, call your doctor as soon as possible.
5. Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding in Gums
Issues with your gums can be telling of a number of oral health issues, including tooth decay. If you are experiencing pain, inflammation, excessive bleeding, or pus from your gums, you likely have tooth decay or even infection.
When to See Yor Dentist
You may not be able to prevent cavities and tooth decay without keeping up with regular dentist visits. Make sure you visit your dentist consistently every six months so they can properly monitor your dental health. You might not even be able to tell that you have a cavity, so it is essential that your doctor assesses your teeth.
Another major takeaway is that pain is never normal–if you are experiencing lingering or sudden pain in your teeth, gums, or mouth, call your doctor. They will be able to determine the root cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to move forward.
Asprakis & Danti Dentistry is Here to Help
Asprakis & Danti Dentistry in Windsor, ON, is committed to maintaining and strengthening your oral health. When you have a dental issue of any kind, Dr. Asprakis and Dr. Danti are here for you. Contact us today!