Taking care of your teeth is important for your overall oral health. Tooth decay is one of the most common dental problems that can impact your teeth’ health and structure. Almost half of the world’s population suffer from tooth decay. 

To avoid suffering tooth decay, you need knowledge of the signs of tooth decay. Read on to learn seven common tooth decay symptoms and know whether you need to visit a dentist. 

1. Dark Spots or Discoloration 

The first thing that may happen through the tooth decay stage is discoloration. White spots will start appearing as a sign of demineralization. As the tooth decay symptoms, it starts to get darker on the tooth’s surface. 

However, the stain could be signs of trauma, damage, or staining. It’s best to visit a dentist to have your teeth checked out for tooth decay. 

2. Toothaches

Ongoing pain in one or more of your teeth could be signs of tooth decay. You may feel mild or no pain at all, making it harder to detect tooth decay. If you ignore it, you can feel severe pain in your teeth, making it challenging to eat, talk, or lie down.

3. Sensitive to Hot and Cold Foods

Tooth decay starts to infiltrate your teeth, exposing your dentin. The dentin is the hard and porous tissue below your enamel. Once the decay exposes your dentin, your teeth become more sensitive to anything you drink or eat. 

4. Bleeding or Swelling Gums

Once the decay gets closer to your gum line, it will infect the tooth’s surrounding tissue. It will result in swollen or bleeding gums, which can occur when brushing or flossing. Bleeding gums is also a sign of gingivitis, so go for tooth decay treatment for your teeth and gums’ health. 

5. Holes in Your Teeth

The decay will eventually eat into your tooth, causing small pits or holes in the enamel. The decay can be easily removed with fillings. Adding new tooth filling can help restore the integrity and function of your teeth. 

6. Bad Breath and Taste

Tooth decay due to a bacterial infection collecting in a tooth. There are areas in your teeth that can collect food and become a breeding ground for the bacteria. The bacteria in your mouth starts to produce waste, giving you bad breath. 

The bacteria breathe in sulfur, leading to many bad-tasting and foul-smelling byproducts. It’s also a symptom of other dental problems such as infections or growing wisdom teeth. 

7. Sensitive to Sweets

When you have lingering sensitivity to sugary drinks or sweets, it also points to tooth decay. Like temperature sensitivity, it occurs due to damages to the enamel. 

Seven Common Tooth Decay Symptoms

Are you suffering from any of these tooth decay symptoms? Then be sure to go for a dentist appointment and take care of your oral hygiene. With constant brushing and flossing, you can avoid the appearance of bacterias.

We hope you enjoyed reading this guide! Do you need more information on tooth decay? Consider taking a look at our other blog posts for more helpful guides about your teeth.