Once left untreated, tooth decay can become the reason why you’ll be hindered from functioning properly every day. When your tooth hurts, you won’t be able to work properly, have the confidence to talk with other people, and travel conveniently from one place to another. Your ability to think and come up with sound decisions might also be affected when you have tooth decay. These are just some of the reasons why you should regularly see a dentist.
You can easily find a dentist in Westminster, CO or other areas. Aside from asking for help from these professionals in taking care of your dental health, you should also know preventive steps that you can take by yourself—and knowing how to spot tooth decay is a good start. Here are some tips to help you out:
- You Probably Have Tooth Decay When You Frequently Experience Toothaches
Spotting a tooth decay isn’t complicated. Usually, the sign can be felt, and most of the time, it can be too painful to ignore. Once a cavity gets through the enamel of your teeth, it won’t be long before it will drill into the next layer until it reaches the pulp. The moment the pulp of your tooth gets infected by a cavity, it will be inflamed and eventually cause pain.
- You Probably Have Tooth Decay When You Have Tooth Sensitivity
Your tooth is strong enough to withstand different food temperatures. You should be able to eat your favorite ice cream and soup with ease. However, if you experience excruciating pain whenever you eat something that’s too cold or too hot, you might have tooth decay.
This happens because once the cavity drills down to the pulp of your tooth, hollow canals stimulate the cells and nerves in your mouth, causing your teeth to be unusually sensitive. This should be reason enough for you to see your Denver dentist or any local dentist from your area.
- You Probably Have Tooth Decay When You Actually See A Hole In Your Tooth
Increase your knowledge and research how a healthy tooth looks like. Sure, a healthy tooth might have an irregular shape—with bones naturally having different lengths and structures—but it doesn’t have any holes. So if you can actually see a hole or pit in your tooth, be wary as this is one of the most obvious signs of tooth decay.
When the cavity is already in its worst phase, it can burrow into your tooth and can form a hole or pit. This is visible to the naked eye, making it easy for you to check.
- You Probably Have Tooth Decay When Your Teeth Are Stained Black, Brown Or White
Depending on your lifestyle and eating habits, your tooth can have discoloration. This is especially true if you’re too dependent on a cup of Joe. However, when you see a single tooth having a different color from the rest, that’s another story. Tooth decay can pick up stains from the food and drinks you consumed, turning your teeth into a different color.
- You Probably Have Tooth Decay When You Feel A Sharp Pain When Biting Down
As mentioned, you should be able to eat and drink with ease using your tooth. Aside from experiencing sensitivity from heat and cold, feeling a sharp pain when biting down is also a red flag that you have tooth decay. Feeling a jolt of pain whenever you’re eating is usually caused by inflammation from the cavity.
- You Probably Have Tooth Decay When You’re Seeing Pus Around Your Teeth
Seeing pus around your tooth is one of the most serious signs that you have tooth decay. Pus comes from a bacterial infection and might require a root canal surgery to be treated. If you suspect that you have tooth decay, carefully scan your mouth and gums for any pus. If you see any, immediately visit your local dentist and ask for treatment. The sooner you seek professional help, the faster you can get back on track.
Make Careful Decisions
As mentioned, there are a lot of dentists today. However, if you want to make the most out of their service, you should only work with a dentist who has a good track record in the industry. If you haven’t worked with a dentist in the past, take the time to research first. Never hire a dentist without knowing their background. Remember that you’re entrusting this person to take care of your pearly whites for you.
