Hidden Signs of Tooth Decay
Could you have a cavity without even realising it? Yes! Sometimes tooth decay can stealthily creep in without any obvious signs and cause damage. If so, you might be surprised if our Mulgrave dentist recommends a filling during your next appointment.
To combat tooth decay early on and minimise the risk of cavities spreading into adjacent teeth, watch for these common signs of cavities:
Floss Shredding
When you floss your teeth, does the string tend to get hung up in one area of your mouth? When you glide it out, is the floss starting to shred or tear apart? It could be that it’s getting stuck on a rough area of tooth decay or a leaky margin around an existing filling.
Food Getting Caught Between Teeth
Cavities create physical holes inside of your teeth. One of the most common areas for decay to start is where teeth touch one another. If you’re getting food stuck between the same two teeth at every meal, it may be that there’s a problem like decay or gum disease.
Sensitivity to Certain Types of Foods or Beverages
A red flag for tooth decay is sensitivity to sweets. Even if you’re not eating candies, you may feel pain when you indulge in a soda or coffee with your favourite creamer. The pain usually feels sharp and happens every time you eat or drink something that’s sweet.
A Bad Taste
Bacteria that collect inside of a cavity or other area of infection can gradually lead to a foul taste or odour coming from your tooth. If you notice that brushing doesn’t keep your breathe as fresh as it used to, there’s an underlying reason why.
Persistent Bad Breath
If you have bad breath that lingers even after brushing, it might be due to decay-causing bacteria inside your mouth. These bacteria produce the foul-smelling compounds.
White Spots on Teeth
Those small, chalky white spots that appear on your teeth can be early signs of demineralisation (when the mineral content of your teeth starts to erode). It’s vital to address these before it progresses to full-blown decay.
Changes in Tooth Shape or Texture
Do you notice a change in the shape or texture of your teeth? This may not just be a natural occurrence. Decay can alter the surface of your teeth making them rough or uneven.
Cracks in Teeth
Tiny cracks in your teeth act as hidden passages for bacteria to enter and start causing damage. By going for regular dental checkups, it can help you catch these issues early and fix them.
We’re Here to Help!
Keep an eye out for these sneaky culprits of tooth decay. Your precious smile is worth safeguarding and, with a little vigilance and dental care, you can keep it strong and radiant for years to come.
At Purity Dental, our Mulgrave dentists strive to diagnose problems early on so that they can be treated quickly and affordably. If you think you have a cavity or are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an exam at your earliest convenience.
