Tooth decay symptoms

Because tooth decay may not have any symptoms, especially in its earlier stages, regular dental examinations are the best way to diagnose tooth decay. Once diagnosed, treatment for tooth decay is relatively straightforward. Sometimes, however, tooth decay manifests symptoms that can be uncomfortable and embarrassing; if you have these symptoms, contact your dentist for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment. A toothache is one of the most common symptoms of tooth decay and cavities. You may experience continuous pain from the decayed tooth area, or you may feel occasional sharp pains that don’t have a clear cause. You may also feel pain, discomfort, or sensitivity when eating or drinking extremely hot or cold foods or beverages, or foods or beverages that are particularly sweet or sugary. Other symptoms include black, brown, or gray spots on the teeth, unpleasant breath, and a bad taste in the mouth. The sooner tooth decay can be treated, the better, so schedule an appointment with your dentist if any of these symptoms appear. Tooth decay is significantly less expensive and easier to treat in its earliest stages, and dentists can determine the extent of decay and any potential future issues with a simple dental examination, possibly including x-rays.

Treatment for tooth decay will depend on its extent. In the early stages of tooth decay, your dentist may treat the tooth with a fluoride gel or varnish, protecting the tooth’s enamel and helping it resist the acids that cause cavities. Your dentist may also recommend dietary changes. If your tooth decay has progressed to a cavity, your dentist will fill the cavity. First, the dentist will anesthetize the affected tooth and surrounding area. Once your mouth is numb, the dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth and fill the area with a dental compound. If the cavity has damaged a significant portion of the tooth, the dentist may also recommend placing a crown, to protect the damaged tooth and prevent further damage. If tooth decay has progressed to the inside of the tooth and has damaged the tooth’s pulp, which is the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains nerves and blood, your dentist may perform a root canal to remove this damaged pulp from inside the tooth, possibly placing a crown after the root canal procedure to protect the tooth and to allow it to continue to function. Finally, if the tooth has sustained enough damage that it can’t be restored through any of the previously listed treatments, your dentist may remove the tooth, replacing it with a denture, bridge, or implant. Be sure to discuss these treatments with your dentist and your dental insurance provider, as costs may be at least partially covered.

Of course, preventing tooth decay before it starts is entirely possible and can save you time, money, embarrassment, and pain. The optimal way to prevent tooth decay is to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. Visit your dentist regularly, as recommended for your specific dental concerns; most dentists recommend examinations and professional cleanings every six months, but ask your dentist what is recommended for you. Reduce your intake of starchy and sugary foods and drinks, especially between meals or just before bed. Additionally, be sure to check the ingredients on any medications you take, as they may also contain sugar. Brush your teeth twice daily, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, and floss daily. If you have consumed sugary or starchy foods or drinks, brush after eating whenever possible, and be sure to brush before going to bed, as the mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva during sleep to adequately rinse away the day’s bacteria buildup. Avoid the use of tobacco, which also interferes with the production of saliva, and use alcohol only in moderation, as alcohol can accelerate the erosion of dental enamel. If you have a persistently dry mouth, see your dentist or primary care provider, as this may also lead to greater problems with tooth decay.

If you have children, the best way to prevent tooth decay in their teeth is by limiting sugary drinks and snacks, establishing good oral hygiene habits, and normalizing periodic trips to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings.

More on Tooth Decay : Tooth Decay Stages