In order to have healthy teeth and gums, you need to be able to tell when something is wrong. Here are the symptoms of tooth decay.

Tooth decay is a process where teeth get destroyed due to long-term exposure to harmful acids. Everyone has bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria feast on the same food particles we eat sugary or starchy foods.

But to digest the food, the bacteria release acids that are harmful to our teeth. The combination of the bacteria, acids and food particles stuck between teeth forms a biofilm coating on the teeth called plaque.

It's quite easy to prevent tooth decay through proper oral hygiene if you catch the earliest stages. Keep reading for 8 common symptoms of tooth decay that you should watch out for.

1. White Flecks on the Teeth

One of the earliest symptoms of tooth decay is white flecks on the tooth. The fleck appears because plaque acids have chipped away at the enamel layer of your tooth. If you allow tooth decay to progress, the flecks could change color to brown or black stains.

If plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it forms into a hard substance called tartar. The acids within plaque progressively destroy teeth layers. From the enamel to the dentin, down to the pulp which contains a tooth’s blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.

This is what dentists refer to as tooth decay. It's one of the commonest health problems Americans face especially amongst children and teenagers. But even adults suffer from the condition, according to the CDC, more than 26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay.

2. Cavities

The next stage of tooth decay erodes the tooth enamel and creates a hole or gap on the surface. You may notice it when you look in the mirror as you brush or floss your teeth.

Sometimes you might also feel a gap or hole if you run your tongue over your teeth. Once you develop cavities, the only solution is to go as fast as possible to a dentist to get them treated and filled.

3. Bad Breath

Persistent bad breath is another sign of tooth decay. It could be caused by rotting food stuck inside a cavity or buildup of harmful bacteria in the mouth. If you have a proper oral hygiene routine yet still suffer from bad breath, it's advisable to see a dentist.

4. Toothache

Toothaches or spontaneous pain within the oral cavity is one of the common symptoms of tooth decay. Pain is a signal that a tooth might have an infection caused by tooth decay. You should also be concerned if you feel pain when you bite down on food.

5. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Foods

Another common sign of tooth decay is if you feel a mild to sharp pain if you eat or drink something hot and cold. Tooth decay wears away the enamel or protective layer of the teeth.

This exposes the dentin and pulp layer where your nerves lie. So any hot or cold food that you eat stimulates your nerves and blood vessels causing pain.

6. Sensitivity to Sweets

Another sign of tooth decay is if you feel slight or extreme pain when you eat something sweet. Normally, we should only feel pleasure when we eat sweets, so pain is a sign of damage to the enamel.

7. Swollen Gums/Tooth Abscess

Cavities that remain untreated get larger and the tooth decay penetrates the deeper layers of the tooth. If tooth decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, you will likely get an infection as this is where the nerves and blood vessels lie.

Infections lead to tooth abscesses which are pockets of pus that form beneath the tooth. As the abscess grows, it may cause your gum and face to swell. This can be very painful and induce migraines and fever.

8. Tooth Loss

The final stage and symptom of tooth decay is tooth loss. A tooth abscess can push out the tooth from its root. Sometimes, a dentist may decide to pull an infected tooth to prevent the infection from progressing.

How to Prevent and Treat Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can be easily prevented by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. It's also a good idea to avoid sugary food and drinks and avoid snacking between meals.

Treating tooth decay is easiest at the earliest stages. White specks on your teeth should be a warning sign to improve your oral hygiene and watch your diet. Start by brushing your teeth after every meal or at least twice a day.

You must also floss once a day, preferably after your last meal of the day and before brushing your teeth in the evening. Dentists say that flossing your teeth before brushing gets rid of the most amount of plaque.

Another great preventive measure is to visit a dentist once or twice a year for a regular check-up and cleaning. During your appointment, the dentist will check for and treat any signs of tooth decay. They will also clean out any dental plaque and tartar that your daily brushing was unable to remove.

If you notice that you have cavities on any of your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately. The dentist will fill in the cavity and prevent it from progressing further. You must then maintain your oral health by daily brushing and flossing. In case your tooth decay has progressed to gum disease, the only option for treatment is to visit the doctor. Their final stage of treatment may be tooth removal.

Catch the Symptoms of Tooth Decay Early

Tooth decay is a preventable condition that can cause tooth loss if left unchecked. Daily brushing and flossing of teeth as well as eating a healthy diet are the best ways to prevent tooth decay.

Regular visits to your dentist for checkups and routine cleaning can help catch and treat early symptoms of tooth decay. If you are looking for a dentist in the Honesdale PA area, your search has ended. Contact us today for a dental appointment to assess the health of your teeth.

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