I Think I Need a Dental Filling; What Are Some Signs of Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is an insidious threat that begins as a cavity, and it has an unfortunate way of going unseen for far too long. If left untreated, this serious oral health issue can cause a great deal of pain, tooth loss, and possibly dangerous secondary infections like sepsis or pneumonia. Here’s a brief guide to the warning signs of tooth decay and how proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits can keep your smile healthy, strong, and beautiful.

Don’t Let Your Teeth Fall Prey to Tooth Decay

The human mouth hosts a thriving population of oral bacteria, and not all of them are good for a person’s oral health. If an individual consumes too much sugar or fails to practice oral hygiene, harmful oral bacteria will feed on lingering food residue, multiply rapidly, and excrete enamel-dissolving acid. If this acid erodes too much of a tooth’s enamel, these bacteria cause an infection called a cavity that will only get worse without professional dental intervention. If the infection is allowed to progress, it will result in an agonizing toothache and eventually tooth loss.

What Are Some Signs of Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay can show itself through a variety of symptoms including:

• The teeth being sensitive to heat, cold, pressure, or sweet or acidic foods and beverages
• A dark spot or hole that you can see or feel
• Floss keeps breaking when treating a certain spot
• Food frequently getting stuck between particular teeth
• The tooth feeling rough
• A filling being loose, broken, or lost
• The tooth being more easily chipped or fractured

To treat a mild case of tooth decay, your dentist will probably recommend using a filling to remove the infected dental tissue and restore the tooth to its original strength and function. However, more advanced cases may require root canal therapy, a painless procedure that eliminates the infection within the tooth before sealing and sanitizing it. If the tooth is beyond saving, it may need to be extracted and replaced.

How Can I Prevent Tooth Decay?

Luckily, tooth decay is incredibly easy to prevent by practicing excellent oral hygiene, attending regular dental appointments, and protecting your teeth. A proper daily dental cleaning regimen includes brushing at least twice, flossing at least once, and using antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate plaque and food debris. Regular dental exams and cleanings allow your teeth to be treated and monitored by a qualified professional so that issues like tooth decay can be addressed in their early stages.

To keep your teeth strong and prevent injuries and accumulations of bacteria that can lead to infection, take care to protect your teeth from harm. This includes wearing a mouthguard when playing sports, wearing a nightguard when you go to sleep if you grind your teeth, abstaining from using your teeth to open bottles or packages, and limiting your sugar intake.

While tooth decay is the most common health problem in the world, it can be easily prevented with proper oral care and smart eating habits. If you believe you have a cavity, contact your dentist to get your tooth the care it needs to stay healthy and strong.

About the Practice

Region Dental provides the finest oral health care services available to the community of La Porte. Led by Drs. Daniel Berquist and Joseph Ornelas, the staff ensures that each patient receives sincere compassion and exemplary courtesy in a clean and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about tooth decay, contact the office online or dial (219) 362-8980.