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 at early stage 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 tooth decay before it becomes too severe, but doing self-screening at home can also help catch any issues early on and protect your oral health.
If you notice discoloration or black spots on teeth, this could also be indicative stage 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.
Another common sign of tooth decay is pain or tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking sweet foods, 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.
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 dental sealants and dental crowns.
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.
Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight—it develops in stages. It begins when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on the teeth. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria feed on these sugars and produce acids. These acids start by weakening the enamel, which is the outermost layer of your teeth.
At this early stage, fluoride treatment can help remineralize the enamel and stop decay in its tracks. But if left untreated, the decay progresses into the softer dentin layer and eventually reaches the pulp—the nerve center of the tooth. At that point, pain becomes intense, and the damage is often irreversible, requiring more serious procedures like a root canal or even a tooth extraction if the infection has spread too far.
Preventing tooth decay starts with consistent, effective oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, and don’t skip flossing—especially between back teeth where cavities tend to form. Rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash or seeking professional fluoride treatment can strengthen your enamel and act as a barrier against decay.
Catching problems early also means smaller and simpler fixes—such as dental fillings—instead of more invasive procedures down the road. Limit sugary snacks and acidic drinks, which fuel decay-causing bacteria. Drinking water after meals helps rinse your mouth and neutralize acids. And remember, regular checkups can prevent surprises that might otherwise lead to a root canal or tooth extraction.
| M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
