Tooth decay is a common condition that can impact the structure of your mouth, including your teeth and gums. There are a number of causes of it, but this is notably a sign that you’re not looking after your oral health properly.
Let’s take a look at the five key signs you should look out for:
Plaque Build Up
Is your mouth showing signs of plaque build up? Plaque is a pale and yellow sticky substance that forms around your teeth owing to food debris. It is natural for food debris to remain inside the mouth once you’ve eaten, but it is important that your mouth is kept clear from this because plaque contains bacteria which may lead to tooth decay.
Hot and Cold Sensitivity
When the underlying dentin, a part of the tooth beneath the enamel becomes exposed, this can lead to sensitivity inside the mouth. You’ll experience some irritation inside the mouth when you consume hot and cold drinks. The pain may feel irritative with a throbbing or shooting pain at regular intervals.
Regular Toothache
Toothache refers to pain in and around the teeth. The pain can range from slight discomfort to severe throbbing pain. Tooth decay is a common cause of toothache.
Discoloured Spots
If you don’t brush your teeth regularly and through the proper technique, your enamel begins to break down and your teeth start to produce brown spots. The brown spots develop from sugary and starchy foods and is also a sign of tooth decay.
The tooth decay condition can range from mild to severe. When mild, it can be reversed and the tooth can be saved. When severe, it is likely an oral surgeon will be needed to perform tooth extraction treatment to remove the decayed tooth. This is to ensure that your other teeth do not get impacted.
If tooth decay is at a mild stage, there are some simple steps you can carry out to reduce its impact.
- Brushing your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Ensure your toothbrush is replaced regularly every three months.
- Reducing the amount of sugar you consume and replacing it with enamel-pro foods containing calcium and phosphate.
- Rinse your mouth after meals so that the food debris doesn’t turn into harmful bacteria.
Are you showing signs of tooth decay? Contact our Lotus Dental team immediately to avoid it becoming worse. Check in here and book an appointment with us now.