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Five Uncommon Signs Of Tooth Decay

Most people are aware of the common signs of tooth decay, such as toothache and cavities. However, there are a few lesser-known signs that you should be on the lookout for. In this blog post, we will discuss five uncommon signs of tooth decay and provide tips for prevention. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental as soon as possible!

What is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the process by which tooth enamel is broken down and eroded. This can be caused by a number of different factors, including poor oral hygiene, acidic beverages, and certain medical conditions. Tooth decay, also known as a cavity, can lead to a number of serious problems, such as cavities, tooth loss, and infections.

Causes 

There are a number of different things that can cause cavities. Some of the most common include:

Poor oral hygiene: If you do not brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth. This can lead to gum disease, which can eventually cause a cavity to form.

Acidic beverages: Drinks like soda and energy drinks are very acidic. Over time, this acid can wear away at your tooth enamel, leading to decay.

Certain medical conditions: Some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase your risk of tooth decay.

5 Uncommon Signs of Tooth Decay

Most people know the telltale signs of a cavity: a dark spot on your tooth, a hole in your tooth, or pain when you bite down. But there are other, more subtle signs that you might have a cavity. Here are five unusual signs of tooth decay.

1. Bad Breath

If you have bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away, it could be a sign of tooth decay. The bacteria that cause tooth decay produce foul-smelling compounds that can cause your breath to smell bad.

2. White Spots on Teeth

White spots on your teeth are another early sign of tooth decay. These spots are caused by the loss of minerals from your tooth enamel.

3. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

If your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, it could be a sign that your tooth enamel is thinning. This can be a sign of early tooth decay.

4. Pain when Chewing

If you experience pain when chewing, it could be a sign that tooth decay has reached the inner layers of your tooth. This can be a very serious problem and should be addressed by a dentist as soon as possible.

5. Swelling or Redness in the Gums

If your gums are swollen or red, it could be a sign of gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease. This is often caused by plaque buildup on the teeth.

Risks of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a serious problem that can lead to a number of complications. If left untreated, it can cause cavities, tooth loss, and infections. Tooth decay can also lead to gum disease and other problems.

Cavities and Your Overall Health

Tooth decay is not just a dental health problem. It can also lead to serious health problems. Studies have shown that there is a link between tooth infections and a number of different health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Treatment

If you think you might have a cavity, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Treatment will depend on the severity of the problem. In some cases, a simple filling will be all that is needed. More serious cases may require a root canal or other dental work.

Tips for Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to prevent tooth decay. Mayo Clinic explains that some of the best ways to prevent decay include:

Brush with fluoride toothpaste after eating or drinking. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste. To clean between your teeth, floss or use an interdental cleaner.

Rinse your mouth. If your dentist feels you have a high risk of developing cavities, he or she may recommend that you use a mouth rinse with fluoride.

Visit your dentist regularly. Get professional teeth cleanings and regular oral exams, which can help prevent problems or spot them early. Your dentist can recommend a schedule that’s best for you.

Consider dental sealants. A sealant is a protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surface of back teeth. It seals off grooves and crannies that tend to collect food, protecting tooth enamel from plaque and acid. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends sealants for all school-age children. Sealants may last for several years before they need to be replaced, but they need to be checked regularly.

Drink some tap water. Most public water supplies have added fluoride, which can help reduce tooth decay significantly. If you drink only bottled water that doesn’t contain fluoride, you’ll miss out on fluoride benefits.

Avoid frequent snacking and sipping. Whenever you eat or drink beverages other than water, you help your mouth bacteria create acids that can destroy tooth enamel. If you snack or drink throughout the day, your teeth are under constant attack.

Eat tooth-healthy foods. Some foods and beverages are better for your teeth than others. Avoid foods that get stuck in grooves and pits of your teeth for long periods, or brush soon after eating them. However, foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables increase saliva flow, and unsweetened coffee, tea and sugar-free gum help wash away food particles.

Consider fluoride treatments. Your dentist may recommend periodic fluoride treatments, especially if you aren’t getting enough fluoride through fluoridated drinking water and other sources. He or she may also recommend custom trays that fit over your teeth for application of prescription fluoride if your risk of tooth decay is very high.

Ask about antibacterial treatments. If you’re especially vulnerable to tooth decay — for example, because of a medical condition — your dentist may recommend special antibacterial mouth rinses or other treatments to help cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth.

Combined treatments. Chewing xylitol-based gum along with prescription fluoride and an antibacterial rinse can help reduce the risk of cavities.

(11/30/2023)
by Stoned Brook Family Dental

More Information: https://www.auroradentist.com/5-uncommon-signs-of-tooth-decay/

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