Tooth Decay Symptoms
Tooth decay is a common dental problem experienced by most adults in the United States. Tooth decay occurs over time, when acid produced from bacteria in the mouth starts to wear down the outside protective layer of the teeth. If bacteria builds up and decay is left untreated, it can lead to further problems, such as dental cavities, gum disease, or dental abscesses. Early tooth decay is reversible, so it is good to be aware of and on the lookout for symptoms. Here is bit more information on tooth decay and the symptoms of the condition.
What are Symptoms of Tooth Decay?
Fortunately, even though tooth decay is common, the condition is not painful. However, when tooth decay is left untreated, it can cause other dental conditions that are painful or uncomfortable. Here are symptoms that may be the sign of advanced tooth decay:
- Toothaches: If you have either continuous pain throughout the day or occasional sharp pain you may have tooth decay that has caused a cavity or other damage to a tooth
- Tooth sensitivity: If you have tenderness or pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet foods or drinks you may have damage to your tooth’s enamel that is causing sensitivity
- Discoloration: Sometimes tooth decay causes white, grey, brown or black spots on the teeth
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
When to See a Dentist
Maintaining regular visits to the dentist can help adults to identify early tooth decay and treat it before the condition advances. Tooth decay is easier and more affordable to treat in its early stages. If you have any of the symptoms described above it’s a good time to schedule a dental appointment. If you do not have any symptoms, you should have a check-up and cleaning every 6 months to help catch early tooth decay.
Treatments for Tooth Decay
There are many affordable and accessible treatment options for tooth decay. If your dentist has identified signs of tooth decay, they will help you select the right treatment for you. Appropriate treatment depend on the severity of the decay.
- For early stage tooth decay: treatments include reducing the amount of sugar in your diet and paying attention to the time you eat. An additional early treatment may be applying a fluoride gel or varnish. Fluoride is a treatment, but also a preventive measure. Fluoride helps protect teeth by strengthening the enamel and protecting the teeth from the acids that cause tooth decay.
- For more advanced decay that has resulted in a dental cavity or carry, a filling or crown may be needed to remove decay and fill the hole
- Very advanced decay: If tooth decay has spread to the inside of the tooth a root canal treatment may be needed to save the tooth and remove the infection . A tooth that has been severely damaged by decay may need to be removed. A tooth that needs to be extracted can be replaced with one of many tooth replacement treatments, including a partial denture, bridge or implant.
More on Tooth Decay : Stages of Tooth Decay