Tooth decay is one of the most common dental concerns, yet its signs can be easy to miss until severe damage occurs. Tooth decay typically happens in stages. You may notice white spots on your teeth and a new sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. As decay spreads, you will likely see small pits or holes in your tooth as a cavity develops.
Ideally, your oral health care routine will prevent tooth decay. This should include seeing your dentist regularly and following proper brushing and flossing habits. But knowing what tooth decay looks like can help you spot early warning signs, so you can seek treatment before the problem worsens.
Early Signs of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight. It starts small, and you can prevent further damage by recognizing these early warning signs.
White Spots on Teeth
One of the first indicators of decay is white or chalky spots forming on your teeth. These spots occur when acids in your mouth start demineralizing the enamel. They may appear dull rather than shiny and are often seen near the gum line or between teeth.
Sensitivity to Hot, Cold, or Sweet Foods
Are you wincing when sipping on a steaming cup of coffee or enjoying a scoop of ice cream? Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sugary foods could mean your enamel is beginning to weaken, exposing dentin (the layer beneath the enamel) to external irritants.
Early intervention can often reverse decay before it progresses past these initial stages, so if you notice either of these symptoms, you should book an appointment with your dentist.
Visible Cavity Formation
When early decay is left untreated, it worsens into visible damage. This stage commonly leads to cavities that require professional care.
Brown, Black, or Gray Spots
If white spots turn darker in colour, this could indicate the enamel has eroded further. Discoloured areas such as brown, black, or gray spots are often visible on the tooth’s surface, especially where bacteria and plaque build up.
Small Holes or Pits in the Enamel
As demineralization advances, the outer layer of your tooth (enamel) may start developing small pits or holes. You may feel these changes with your tongue or spot them in areas like the back molars.
Ignoring these visible symptoms could allow the decay to reach deeper layers of the tooth, resulting in pain or infection.
Advanced Tooth Decay Symptoms
When untreated, decay can spread to deeper parts of your tooth, leading to more serious complications.
Deep Cavities & Visible Damage
Advanced tooth decay often results in large cavities or widespread enamel damage. These may be easy to see in the mirror and can cause discomfort when chewing.
Pain, Swelling, & Bad Breath
If bacteria penetrate the tooth pulp (the inner, soft tissue), you might experience severe toothaches, swelling of the gums, and persistent bad breath. These are signs of a possible tooth infection, potentially affecting more than just your oral health.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
The best way to combat tooth decay is to stop it before it starts. Here are simple but effective prevention tips to protect your smile.
Regular Brushing & Flossing
Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once daily, preferably after every meal, to remove hidden food particles and plaque. Pay extra attention to the gumline, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Dental Cleanings & Exams
Regular check-ups are crucial for diagnosing problems early. Dentists can identify issues like white spots or enamel wear before decay takes hold. Professional cleanings can also remove stubborn plaque that regular brushing might miss.
Treatment Options for Tooth Decay
If decay occurs, there are various treatment options available, depending on its severity. Modern dentistry offers solutions that restore your smile while preserving the natural tooth whenever possible.
Fillings
Fillings are the most common treatment for small cavities. Composite fillings blend in with the natural colour of your teeth for an unnoticeable and effective solution.
Crowns
When decay is more extensive and compromises the tooth’s structure, a dental crown may be placed over the remaining tooth to protect it and restore functionality.
Root Canals
If decay reaches the tooth pulp, it can cause an infection that needs to be treated through a root canal. This procedure removes infected tissue and seals the tooth to prevent further damage.
When a Tooth Extraction is Necessary
In cases of severe damage, where saving the tooth is no longer possible, extraction may be the best option. While the idea may be daunting, modern techniques make the process as comfortable as possible. Once the tooth is removed, your dentist can guide you through replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges, to restore your smile.
Book a Dental Exam Today
Tooth decay can significantly impact oral health and confidence, but the good news is that it’s preventable and treatable. Whether you’ve noticed early signs or are dealing with advanced symptoms, the first step is booking an appointment.
Our friendly team at Markham Dental Smiles is here to provide patient-focused care in a welcoming environment. From prevention advice to personalized treatment strategies, we’ll help you maintain a healthy smile for life.
