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Dentist reveals six ‘early warning signs’ of tooth decay you must be aware of Credits: Social Media
By Ellissa Bain

Dentist reveals six ‘early warning signs’ of tooth decay you must be aware of

By Ellissa Bain

You could be living with tooth decay without even realizing it, so it’s important to know the early warning signs.

Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth forms a sticky layer of plaque over your teeth. This breaks down the tooth’s surface and leads to small holes called cavities. If it’s not treated, this can lead to pain, infection and tooth loss.

Patient visiting dentist
Female patient with open mouth receiving dental inspection at dentist’s office. Credit: M_a_y_a (Getty Images)

Early signs of tooth decay

Dr Smita Mehra (BDS, MFGDPRCS), Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practices, has revealed six early warning signs to look out for that could indicate tooth decay.

1. Tooth sensitivity

One of the first signs of tooth decay is sensitive teeth, which usually occurs when eating hot or cold foods. This happens as the lower layer of the tooth, known as the dentine, becomes exposed as the enamel decays on top. This means the hot or cold food travels straight to the nerves, causing pain.

2. Discoloration of teeth

If your teeth are suddenly looking a bit yellower than usual, that could be another sign of decay. Stains on your teeth may first appear as white spots, turning a darker brown or yellow as the decay advances. This usually indicates that you have cavities, so it’s time to go and see a dentist.

3. Visible holes or cavities

Sometimes, the holes or cavities in your teeth are actually visible, a sure sign that they are decaying. If the discoloration becomes worse, it leads to holes in the surface of the tooth that you might be able to feel when you run your tongue along your teeth. 

4. Bleeding and sore gums

Bleeding and sore gums aren’t a sign of tooth decay on their own, but they do indicate the early stages of gum disease, a condition caused by tooth decay. Leaving gum disease untreated can lead to many issues such as the teeth becoming loose or even falling out.

5. Bad breath or taste in mouth

If you have bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth, that’s another early warning sign of tooth decay. It happens when cavities collect food particles, causing bacteria to build up. This eventually releases gases into your mouth that leave an unpleasant smell.

6. Pain or mouth swelling

Finally, pain or swelling anywhere in the mouth could indicate the early stages of tooth decay too. The toothache tends to stay until you have been treated by a dentist whatever you are doing, including eating, drinking or speaking.

Intensive toothache of a woman holding pills blister.
Aching tooth of brunette at home, holding package of pills in her hand. Credit: SimpleImages (Getty Images)

How to prevent tooth decay

You can prevent tooth decay by maintaining good oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing between your teeth every day to remove food, debris and plaque, the NHS explains.

Make sure you drink water throughout the day as this encourages saliva production, helping to move pieces of debris which is lodged between the teeth. Having a dry mouth can increase your chances of developing cavities. 

Cutting out sugary foods and drinks,�not smoking and limiting your alcohol�intake will all help keep your teeth, gums and mouth healthy. Also, make sure to schedule regular check-ups with a dentist as detecting problems early makes them easier to treat.

Dr Smita Mehra is a dental surgeon who gained her dentistry degree from the University of Birmingham. She is part of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners and founded The Neem Tree Dental Practice.