It is not rare that people find weird spots on their teeth, and they usually wonder if that weird spot is something serious. After all, nobody wants to have a decayed tooth. But most people have no clue what tooth decay actually looks like. For most, a cavity is just a black hole in the teeth, but that's only when it has become pretty bad. Knowing what to look for in the initial stages can save a lot of worry and some money too. So, let’s find out what does a decay tooth look like and answer some commonly asked questions about tooth decay.

What Does a Decay Tooth Look Like?

Tooth decay doesn't start with a dark cavity. It actually begins with chalky white spots that look almost like someone dabbed correction fluid on your tooth.

These white spots are your tooth basically screaming for help. Tooth decay is caused when the bacteria present in the mouth react with the sugary or starchy food you eat. It produces acids which steal minerals from your enamel (the white part of the tooth that you see in the mouth), making it look cloudy and rough. At this point, you can actually reverse the damage if you catch it early enough.

But most of us completely miss this stage because we are looking for the wrong thing – black holes in the tooth.

If the decay doesn’t resolve at the initial stages, it progresses to involve more structure of the tooth, deepens its reach within the tooth and starts becoming more brownish in colour. Once complete breakdown of the tooth takes place, you see black coloured cavity in the tooth.

How Do You Reverse Tooth Decay?

Yes, it is possible! You can actually reverse very early tooth decay, but only if you catch it at that white spot stage I mentioned earlier.

Fluoride can help reverse tooth decay. Your dentist can help you increase the fluoride content in your routine. You can use fluoridated toothpastes, mouthwashes and ensure that your tap water has fluoride. If there is insufficient fluoride, your dentist might help you compensate for it through a strict oral hygiene maintenance routine using fluoridated agents. If all goes well, your white spot can be reversed in a few months to a healthy tooth. It's really just giving your teeth the right conditions to heal themselves.

But remember, once you have an actual hole in your tooth, there is no reversing that. You need professional treatment at that point. The reversal only works for the earliest stages of decay.

How to Stop Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay happens for various reasons, but you can prevent it by sticking to good oral care habits that will save you trouble down the road.

• Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste - there's no getting around this one.
• Floss every day, particularly to prevent cavities that form between your teeth.
• Limit sugary and acidic beverages whenever possible.
• Get your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year to catch issues early.
• If you do end up with tooth decay, the fix is straightforward: visit your dentist. They will clean out the damaged portion and seal the cavity with a filling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Tooth Decay Cause Bad Breath?

Absolutely. Decayed teeth create perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. When you eat food, the particles react with bacteria generating a bad smell. The bad smell is because of the sulfur compounds. The more advanced the decay, the stronger the odour becomes. When infection becomes severe, there is formation of pus which further increases the bad smell of the breath.

You may feel like it’s manageable, but this smell can’t be fixed with mint and mouthwash, you need professional treatment to eliminate the source. Once your dentist addresses the decay and you maintain proper oral hygiene, bad breath will no longer be there.

Can a Decayed Tooth Cause Headaches?

Tooth problems can cause headaches more often than you would expect. When decay leads to infection, it irritates the nerves in your face, which sends pain signals that you feel as headaches.

Your upper teeth are particularly troublesome in this regard. The roots of those back teeth in the upper side of your mouth are located extremely close to your sinus cavities. An infected upper tooth can inflame the nearby sinus cavities, producing the same pressure and discomfort you would get from a regular sinus problem.

If you have been experiencing unexplained headaches alongside teeth bothering you, it is worth mentioning to your dentist. Most patients have no idea that their chronic headaches may stem from their mouth.

Can Tooth Decay Kill You?

It may sound like a bit of an exaggeration, but untreated tooth infections can actually lead to life-threatening complications. What starts as a small cavity can further develop into a serious infection, spreading beyond the mouth, affecting surrounding tissues.

Dental infections that go untreated can spread to nearby areas in and around the mouth, including the jaw, throat, and neck tissue. In severe circumstances, infections can spread to vital organs like the heart. This can turn into a medical emergency, hence, monitoring your oral health is important.

Conclusion

To catch tooth decay, all you need to do is pay attention to warning signs in your mouth - discolouration, rough spots, sensitivity, or pain.

Your teeth usually give you clear signals when something needs attention. Dental conditions like tooth decay can greatly affect your daily life and your self-confidence. Our experienced dental team specializes in individualized, comprehensive care that focuses on the issues that are important to you. Call Signature Smiles dental clinic today to schedule your visit and take the first step to improve your oral health!