4 Signs of Tooth Decay To Watch Out For

What if you have a cavity and don’t even realise it?

Tooth decay is one of those dental issues that can sneak up on you if you’re not paying enough attention. It starts quietly, but once it reaches a certain stage it can cause serious problems, from cavities to more complicated infections.

Here are some common signs of tooth decay to watch out for to minimize the risk of cavities that spread to your neighbouring teeth. Being aware of the early signs is crucial for maintaining good oral health and catching decay before it leads to bigger issues. Make sure to call our Wantirna dentists at Studfield Dental for a checkup if you ever notice any of the below!

Floss Shredding

Have you ever noticed the floss starting to shred or tear apart once you glide it out? Does it also get stuck or hung up in a particular area of your mouth? This could be more than just a sign of poor-quality floss. Floss shredding often indicates that something is wrong in between your teeth, like a cavity or rough spot on the tooth’s surface caused by decay. When decay eats away at your tooth, it can create uneven surfaces or small gaps that snag and damage your floss. If you notice your floss constantly getting stuck or torn, it might be worth having a dentist take a closer look. Ignoring this issue could allow decay to worsen, eventually leading to the need for more serious and expensive dental work.

Food Getting Caught

Have you ever found that certain areas in your mouth trap food more often than others? While it’s normal for bits of food to get stuck between your teeth now and again, a consistent problem in the same area could point to the development of decay. Tooth decay can create small pits or gaps in the surface of your tooth, allowing food particles to lodge in there more easily. One of the most common areas for this to happen is where two particular teeth touch each other. If you notice food getting stuck between the same two teeth regularly, then you’re likely having decay or gum disease surrounding that area and this needs to be checked out by a dentist. Catching decay early could allow for simpler treatments like fillings, rather than waiting until a larger, more painful issue develops.

Increased Sensitivity

One prominent red flag when it comes to tooth decay is increased sensitivity to sweets. This doesn’t necessarily have to be candies either; even a sip of your regular coffee with creamer or soda may lead to pain. If you suddenly feel a sharp pain or discomfort when enjoying hot, cold, sweet or acidic food and drinks, it might be due to tooth decay. As decay progresses, it can expose the inner layers of your tooth, making it more sensitive to external stimuli. This shows that it’s high time you schedule a consultation with our dentists as it is essential to act quickly before the decay penetrates deeper into the tooth and affects the nerve.

Foul Taste Or Odour

A foul taste or bad breath that lingers even after brushing and rinsing could be more than just a sign of a strong meal. As your cavity or infection worsens, you’ll gradually notice a foul taste or odour that comes from your mouth, no matter how much you brush your teeth. As bacteria continue to break down the decaying part of your tooth, they release sulphur compounds which can create a rotten smell or taste. If you notice this persistent issue despite good oral hygiene, it could be a sign that decay has progressed to a more serious stage. Prompt action is necessary here, as a foul taste or odour could also be a sign of an abscess or infection, both of which require immediate attention from a dentist.

At Studfield Dental Group, we strive to catch dental problems as early as possible so they can be treated quickly and affordably. If you suspect you may be having a cavity, leave no time to waste. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!