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Tooth Decay 101: What It Looks Like and How to Spot It

What Does Tooth Decay Look Like

Tooth decay is a dental condition where the hard enamel surface of the teeth is softened by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. This softening can lead to cavities, pain, sensitivity, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Catching tooth decay early is critical in preventing it from becoming a serious problem.

One way to do this is by recognizing the signs of tooth decay. Regular dental care and checkups can help catch decay before it becomes too severe, but doing self-screening at home can also help catch any issues early on.

So What Does Tooth Decay Look Like? Here Are Some Signs To Look Out For:

Visible Holes Or Pits In The Teeth​
One of the most obvious signs of tooth decay is visible damage to the teeth themselves. This damage may take the form of small holes or dark pits in the surface of the tooth which can be seen with the naked eye. These may be located on either the side of a tooth, in between teeth where they are hard to see, or most commonly in the grooves on the chewing surface of the tooth.
Discoloration Or Dark Spots On Your Teeth

If you notice discoloration or black spots on teeth, this could also be indicative of tooth decay. This could occur anywhere on your teeth and will often begin as a chalky-looking white spot on your tooth that progresses into darker shades over time, or darkness in the groove or pits in the tooth that you cannot brush away.

Pain Or Sensitivity When You Eat Or Drink Something Sweet

Another common sign of tooth decay is pain or sensitivity when eating sweet foods or drinking sugary drinks such as soda or juice. You might also experience discomfort when consuming hot or cold beverages. These signs aren’t usually present until tooth decay is more advanced.

Unpleasant Taste In Your Mouth

An unpleasant taste in your mouth can indicate tooth decay. This is noticed most often when decay is leaking under an old crown or filling. If you experience recurring bad breath even after brushing and flossing regularly, this could be caused by bacteria leaking from decay underneath old fillings and dental crowns.

Inflammation And Swelling Around Certain Areas
Gums surrounding an infected tooth may appear red, swollen, and inflamed, which occurs due to bacterial infection in the gingiva. This sign usually doesn’t occur until the later stages of tooth decay.
When you are brushing and flossing your teeth, take the time to look at them. Pull your cheeks back so that you can see the sides of your teeth. Open your mouth wide in the mirror and look at the grooves of your teeth. If you need to tilt your head back while you look in the mirror to look at the grooves of your top teeth in the mirror.

This should be done regularly to watch for tooth decay and if you haven’t visited the dentist in the last 6 months, schedule an appointment and talk to the dentist about what you see. The dentist will also take dental x rays which will give you more information. It is important to take the health of your teeth seriously because your teeth cannot heal themselves and if you are not proactive, you take the chance of allowing more damage to your teeth from neglect. Home screenings are an easy first line of prevention.

Picture of Sidney Baraza, RDH
Sidney Baraza, RDH
Sidney is committed to providing quality dental care that helps improve not just the dental health but also overall health of her patients. Her tireless dedication makes her an essential member of the team at All Smiles Dentistry & Orthodontics in Allen, Texas.
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