At Advanced Indiana, we know that when it comes to tooth decay, there are a few telltale signs and symptoms that you should be on the lookout for. If you or someone that you know is experiencing any of the most common symptoms of tooth decay, it is best to book an appointment with your local dentist as soon as you possibly can. This will ensure that you are able to keep as healthy as possible in terms of oral care.
It should be noted that as cavities progress, tooth decay can set in quickly, and the time and money that one must spend to correct the issue can be costly. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you practice good oral hygiene and keep regular appointments with your dentist. Still, if you suspect that you may be suffering from tooth decay, knowing some of the most common symptoms could be helpful. Advanced Indiana will be highlighting four common symptoms of tooth decay so that you know what to look for.
What is Tooth Decay?
According to the American Dental Association, tooth decay is “the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth.” Tooth decay can be a problem for people of any age, including children, teens, and adults. But what causes tooth decay? Put simply, tooth decay is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth over time. This plaque produces acids that attack the tooth enamel, causing it to break down. This is when cavities form. Once cavities are formed, they can get worse with time, which is what leads to tooth decay.
So how can you work to prevent tooth decay and maintain better oral health in your life? Advanced Indiana has a few useful tips that you can use to prevent tooth decay, including:
- Brushing twice a day, every day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals, avoiding snacking as much as possible.
- Clean in between your teeth on a daily basis by flossing.
- Talk to your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride which can aid in strengthening your teeth.
- Talk to your dentist about dental sealants.
- Make regular appointments with your dentists for cleanings and examinations to maintain optimal oral health!
Now that you know what tooth decay is, as well as some of the best ways you can work to prevent it, it’s time to talk about some of the most common symptoms of tooth decay. Let’s take a closer look!
Tooth Sensitivity
The first most common symptom of tooth decay is tooth sensitivity. While tooth sensitivity is a normal part of everyday life for many people, it should be noted that tooth sensitivity which changes in severity or frequency could be an indicator of a larger problem, such as tooth decay. It is incredibly important to take note of when the tooth sensitivity began so that you can relay this information to your dentist. This will help when assessing your teeth for cavities or tooth decay.
Painful Toothaches
Another common symptom of tooth decay is painful toothaches. When someone experiences a toothache, this is typically a pretty strong indicator that something is wrong with the tooth itself. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing spontaneous tooth pain that doesn’t seem caused by anything obvious, it is likely that a cavity or the start of tooth decay. You should see your dentist immediately if you are noticing painful toothaches without any obvious cause.
Visible Staining on the Surface of the Tooth
If you have started to notice visible staining on the surface of one of your teeth that is white, brown, or black in coloring, this could be yet another indicator of tooth decay. Visible signs of staining on a tooth can mean that the tooth has begun to erode. For this reason, making note of when you first noticed the staining will be helpful to your dentist as they assess the condition of your teeth.
Sharp Pain When Eating or Drinking
Finally, the last common symptom of tooth decay is sharp pain experienced when eating or drinking sweet, hot, or cold foods and/or drinks. If you notice a sharp and intense pain when eating or drinking those types of foods and/or drinks, this may be an indicator of tooth decay.
If nothing obvious is causing the pain and this sharp pain occurs over multiple instances or continuously, tooth decay is likely to blame. Notify your dentist immediately if you experience this sharp pain, as it is likely to only get worse with time.
Fight Tooth Decay with Advanced Indiana!
Now that you know some of the most common symptoms of tooth decay, you’ll know what to be on the lookout for. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms described above and suspect that tooth decay may be the culprit, Advanced Indiana can help. We offer all of the dental services you need to stay healthy in terms of your oral health.
Don’t let tooth decay stand in your way. Treatment is possible with our knowledgeable dental staff. Book an appointment online today or give us a call at (765) 622-7000 (our Anderson office) or (317) 485-7000 (our Fortville office). We look forward to helping you get on your way to better oral health!