Majority of people do not realize they have dental cavities until they experience severe toothache or a dentist informs them. For many, it comes as a shock. However, there are signs of tooth decay that are often overlooked or neglected. Here are the 10 most ignored signs of dental cavities:
White Spots on Teeth The first sign of tooth decay is appearance of white spots on the teeth which occurs due to leaching of minerals. Many times the white spots are near the gum line.
Toothache If you have toothache, it is a sign of serious problem and should be checked. Most people take over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers and forget about the pain once it disappears. Your immune system may have tackled the infection, but the underlying problem – tooth decay – still exists.
Bad Breath Halitosis or bad breath can be a sign of tooth decay in many cases. Usually, food particles get caught in the cavities and start rotting, leading to bad breath and worsening of the decay.
Unpleasant Taste in the Mouth If you notice an unpleasant taste in your mouth, it could be a sign of tooth decay and should not be neglected.
Tooth Sensitivity One of the first signs of dental decay is sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. The dentist may still be able to save the tooth, so do not neglect it.
Pain While Chewing When the decay reaches the tooth pulp or when a tooth develop cracks; it will cause pain while chewing. This pain is often localized and is noticed when that particular tooth is used for chewing or biting.
Chipping of Teeth If your tooth chips off while biting or chewing; it is a sign of tooth decay. Usually, this happens when the dentin is decaying.
Dark Spots on the Teeth Dark spots can be an indication that the decay has progressed deeper into the tooth.
Gum-Infection When the decay reaches the pulp; it can affect the surrounding gum tissue, causing pus formation. This should be treated immediately to prevent further problems.
Bleeding While Brushing Often cavities form between two teeth and the gum tissue grows into the gap. So when you brush, the gum tissue gets injured, resulting in bleeding.
