Cosmetic Dentistry
Catch Cavities Quickly-5 Signs of Tooth Decay
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Jul
Jul
How well you take care of your teeth affects your health as a whole. While the aim is to avoid your teeth getting to this point, as family dentists, we see this issue every day.
People of any age, including children, can be affected by decay. It can impact our children’s speech, nutrition, and even jaw development. As adults, we may end up requiring extensive treatment or the loss of teeth if it is left untreated.
In this article, we are taking a look at what cavities are. We will also share the common five signs of tooth decay and how The Smile Designer will give you the right type of dental care to maintain a happier smile.
01
What is a Cavity?
The usual reason tooth decay occurs is diet. Food and drink, bacteria, saliva, and acid all combine to form plaque on your teeth, which has the potential to erode the enamel.
When left untreated, the plaque forms a hole in your teeth. This can lead to more serious issues, including infections and tooth abscesses, which are painful.
Your teeth are most vulnerable to plaque:
- In between your teeth
- The areas near your gums
- Crevices and grooves of your teeth.
02
Look for These 5 Signs of Tooth Decay
Five common signs indicate you may have the start of a cavity. These signs appear at different levels of corrosion.
- Toothache
One of the most common issues our dentists hear from patients with tooth decay is that they’re experiencing a toothache. This can vary from a dull niggle to relentless throbbing.
The pain can occur after eating or may suddenly appear. Some people may only notice the discomfort when they bite down. Regardless, when you experience aches of this type, it’s a sign you require a trip to your family dentist.
- A hole in your tooth
It’s a sure sign you’re experiencing tooth decay when you spot a cavity in your tooth. When you run your tooth across the hole, you will feel a pit or an even surface, depending on how far the cavity has progressed.
Depending on the location, some holes can be seen. These are especially noticeable if they are in crevices or between your teeth. You can also detect early decay by identifying white spots or other discolouration that cannot be removed with brushing.
- Sensitive teeth
Patients experiencing tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking something cold like ice cream or hot like a cuppa may have tooth decay. It indicates the nerves inside your teeth are reacting to environmental aspects.
The sensitivity is caused by insufficient enamel to adequately protect your teeth, which stimulates the tooth nerve.
- Bad breath
As mentioned previously, decay is caused in part by bacteria. The presence of bacteria has penetrated the affected tooth. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth even after brushing, which causes bad breath.
- Gum Issues
It’s not uncommon for patients to experience swollen and bleeding gums when dealing with cavities. While your gums can have issues with several dental problems, it’s commonly a sign you have tooth decay.
Patients should seek their dental clinic’s assistance should this occur, especially if there is an ooze of pus, as this can be a sign of infection.
03
How The Smile Designer Treats Tooth Decay
At The Smile Designer, our dentists treat tooth decay regularly, even daily. The earlier it is identified, the more we can do to ensure your teeth are restored. The type of treatment we administer also depends on the location and size of the cavity.
If it is caught relatively early, our dentists recommend dental restorations in the form of a filling. These fill the teeth, and the tooth keeps its look and shape.
Teeth that are quite damaged from corrosion can sometimes be treated through a root canal procedure and a crown to further protect the compromised tooth.
It’s not uncommon for a tooth to need removal if the damage is beyond repair. While this can feel like an overwhelming option, it is better for your health to have it removed. At a dental clinic like The Smile Designer, you can access cosmetic dentistry procedures to give your smile a makeover.
04
Tips for Stopping Decay of Your Teeth
Here are some of our best tips for ensuring you beat the fight against cavities:
- Ensure you brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Visit your dentist at least once or twice a year for a thorough cleaning.
- Floss regularly and thoroughly.
- Regularly consume water daily to boost the flow of your saliva and rinse your teeth.
- Avoid sugary foods, soft drinks, and juices. A balanced diet is ideal for good dental hygiene.
05
Book an Appointment Online With Us
You’re highly likely to avoid permanent damage from tooth decay if you have a healthy mouth. While cavities start small, they further decay over time and cause many other issues, which are relatively uncomfortable.
Our dentists recommend the practice of good dental hygiene. This helps avoid decay. If you notice any pain, sensitivity, discomfort, holes or discolouration, you must make an appointment with your family dentist so that treatment is less invasive.
Starting your children early with regular dental appointments can help create good habits into adulthood and help prevent issues from occuring.
We know you want your smile to look its best and to avoid any mouth or tooth pain where possible. You can best care for your teeth by participating in regular oral hygiene and to seek assistance as soon as an issue occurs.
Should you require assistance with cavities or other oral health issues, the team at The Smile Designer are highly skilled professionals who will listen to your needs. If you want to know more about how we can help you, you can book an appointment online or contact us for further information.
