What Are The Tell-Tale Signs Of Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is primarily the result of a poor oral hygiene regime, which allows bacteria to thrive and attack the tooth enamel. Tooth decay can strike at any age and is directly connected to the level of sugar in a person’s diet. 

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Here are a few signs that your teeth are under assault from bacteria:

• Constant Toothache – As bacteria directly attack the tooth enamel, this causes a dull ache in the affected area, which might be made worse when consuming hot or cold drinks. Pain is nature’s way of letting you know something is not right and when you experience toothache for more than a few hours, this is the time to make an appointment with your local dentist. Try rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash for 5-10 minutes, as this might remove the bacteria that are causing the decay. Indeed, the use of antiseptic mouthwash should be in everyone’s routine.

• Cavities – They start as tiny pinholes on the tooth exterior and if not treated, the spot soon becomes a hole, as more and more of the tooth is gradually consumed. If your kids have a high sugar diet, make an appointment with the Northbridge dentist serving the whole of North Shore and they can examine the whole family. There are also reputable dental clinics in other areas, including outside Australia. All you have to do is to do a quick search on Google. Parents should be fully aware of what their kids consume; high levels of sugar almost certainly lead to tooth decay, which will hamper them when they become adults.

• Teeth Sensitivity – Tooth decay exposes the nerves and that can cause sensitivity, which can sometimes be severe, either way, it is a sign of tooth decay and you need to see your local dentist. If you don’t have a good oral hygiene regime in place, tooth decay can quickly be the result and if this is not treated, it will lead to further issues, even the loss of a tooth. Talking of sensitivity, you would certainly feel a small hole on a tooth. The tongue is an amazing organ and it will detect changes, however minor.

• Tooth Discolouration – Tooth decay can form as dark spots on the tooth enamel and any change of colour needs to be investigated. These areas might be very small and the discolouration slight, but over a period of time the decaying process speeds up and the difference in colour becomes more apparent. One of the reasons we should have a dental check-up every few months is to get early intervention, as many oral issues remain undetected or ignored. If you have yet to register with a local dental clinic, Google is your best friend and can point you in the right direction. Teeth whitening treatments can remove the discolouration and your local dentist would likely perform laser teeth whitening.

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It is easy to overlook brushing and flossing, which is why we should see our dentist every few months for a check-up. Should there ever be any issue, make an appointment via the clinic’s website and have the medical professional take a look.