Are you starting to notice the signs of tooth decay but need to know if they’re harmful?
Many ignore their teeth until they feel a painful throbbing sensation or notice an aching tooth. Yet, early signs of tooth decay can turn a regular toothache into a situation that causes damage to the root of your tooth.
Save time by paying attention to the early signs of tooth decay. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
1. Sensitivity
This may manifest when eating or drinking something sweet, cold, or hot, and tooth problems may cause pain or discomfort. The cause of this sensitivity is the weakening of the tooth, which leads to the transfer of the temperature and the pressure applied from the food or drink to the tooth and then to the nerves and teeth inside the tooth.
The cause of mild tooth sensitivity is an exposed tooth root, worn tooth enamel, cracked teeth, a buildup of plaque, or a toothbrush that is too hard.
2. Discoloration
Thinning or yellowing of the enamel can show that decay is occurring. The cause of this is bacteria that erode the enamel and create pits or holes in the teeth. Placing dental sealants on a tooth, a method used to protect against signs of cavities can sometimes cause discoloration.
Discoloration caused by tooth decay is progressive and can even affect other healthy teeth. If you notice discoloration, it’s essential to consult a local dental crown dentist immediately to reverse any existing damage and protect against further harm.
3. Bad breath
Lousy breath indicates poor oral health and can tell something’s wrong. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a buildup of odorous particles of bacteria stuck on the surfaces of your teeth and gums.
Moreover, if you drink sugary drinks or eat candy, this is a sign that your oral health could be in trouble. Plenty of bacteria cause the terrible breath that causes plaque, the buildup of soft, sticky substances on teeth leading to cavities and other forms of decay.
4. Pain
Pain is one of the most recognized early signs of tooth decay. It usually occurs when the decay has reached a tooth’s softer inner layers of dentin and enamel.
Often, this will manifest as a dull, constant ache. In more advanced cases, sharp, stabbing pains may also occur when you apply pressure to the affected tooth, like biting down. This pain can sometimes spread to the adjacent teeth and even radiate to the ear and jaw.
5. Swelling
Swelling is one of the first physical symptoms of tooth decay, often seen in the gums around the teeth. The growth of plaque, a natural film of bacteria that accumulates on teeth, is the primary cause of tooth decay.
Plaque eats away at the enamel of the teeth, damaging the protective layer and permitting bacteria to get under the gums and cause swelling.
Don’t Ignore These Early Signs of Tooth Decay
It would be best to overlook early signs of tooth decay. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause serious health issues and an inability to eat.
Thus, watching for signs of decay and practicing good oral hygiene habits to keep your teeth healthy is essential. If you suspect that there may be signs of tooth decay, visit your dentist immediately to receive the appropriate treatment.
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