3 Early Warning Signs of Tooth Decay

Worried about tooth decay? Read on to learn more about some early warning signs of tooth decay. Tooth decay is something that affects nearly everyone at one point or another in life. It is almost impossible to prevent at all times because the teeth are susceptible to all kinds of infections. Even with the best oral hygiene routines and regular visits to the dentist, cavities can still form, thus leading to tooth decay.

While it may seem difficult to control, tooth decay can be caught in the early stages, which allows for the opportunity to tackle it before it's too late.

3 Common signs of tooth decay

Outlined below are three warning signs that tooth decay may be present. Review the following information when trying to prevent tooth decay from developing.

1. Discomfort or pain

One of the most common early warning signs of tooth decay is pain or discomfort. If a toothache is present then the process of decay may have already begun. Additionally, when biting down to eat, it is important to be mindful of any sharp pain that occurs. Pain when biting down is not normal and is also a warning sign that tooth decay may be present or on the way.

2. Spots or patches

The teeth should appear white or near white in color. Any sort of spots or patches on the teeth that appear to be abnormal is a definite sign of tooth decay. Outlined below are a few common signs to look for.

• Brown or black spots
• Extremely yellow patches

3. Sensitivity

Another warning sign that tooth decay may be present is if there is severe sensitivity. A great way to determine if sensitivity is present is to drink or eat something hot and/or cold. If there is a tooth that responds to the temperature change then it is likely that tooth decay may be on its way.

How to address tooth decay

If any of the early warning signs that are listed above are detected, it is advised to visit the dentist immediately. If tooth decay is caught early on, the chances of it turning into something worse, like tooth loss, are a lot lower. The dentist can implement a plan of action to stop tooth decay and restore the health of the tooth.

In the meantime, it is recommended to ramp up oral hygiene by brushing after every meal, flossing once a day, and rinsing with a fluoride-based mouthwash. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and beverages is also a good idea as these can all encourage tooth decay.

Are you suffering from tooth decay?

When you suspect you may have tooth decay, it is best to consult with a dentist. An evaluation can be done to determine whether there are any warning signs of tooth decay. From there, a plan of action can be put into place to ensure that the decay is eliminated and prevented in the future. To learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment, contact our dental office today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

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