How to Detect Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a common problem that many people experience at some point in life. The decay is the trigger for dental cavities. The presence of bacteria within the mouth leads to acidic substances that damage the enamel of the teeth, which ultimately causes the decay. If you suspect that you have a cavity somewhere in your mouth, it can help to learn how to identify the telltale indications of tooth decay.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider whether your teeth hurt. One of the most telling symptoms of tooth decay is a persistent toothache. If you notice that you are experiencing toothaches that seem to get progressively worse with time, it is likely that you are experiencing serious decay. As decay increases, the pain tends to heighten.

• 2

  Examine your teeth closely. Open your mouth wide and observe your teeth in a mirror. If you have decay, you may notice large holes on parts of your teeth. If the holes are noticeable, it could be a sign that your decay has been taking place for quite a while. Keep your eyes out for black, brown or gray spots over your teeth. Pus near the teeth can also indicate decay.

• 3

  Think about your fillings. If you have had cavities filled before and they feel loose and like they are about to fall out, it could be related to tooth decay.

• 4

  Ponder if you have pain while chewing. Apart from a standard toothache, tooth decay can also lead to serious pain when you eat. If you chew on food and notice that your teeth start to hurt, it may be due to tooth decay.

• 5

  Ask yourself if you have any tooth sensitivity. One extremely painful symptom of tooth decay is sensitivity while eating and drinking things that are either very cold or very hot. You are likely experiencing tooth decay if you feel a sharp shooting pain in your teeth while eating ice cream.

• 6

  Pay attention to your jaw, especially If you feel like your jaw is somewhat swollen.

• 7

  Watch out for halitosis (bad breath), which is also a symptom of tooth decay. Contact a dentist for an appointment if you notice that your breath smells worse than usual or if you also constantly have a bad flavor lingering inside your mouth.