Tooth decay is the most common dental disease, which affects most people at some point in their lives. In Australia, it’s estimated that around 1 in 3 adults has untreated tooth decay in their permanent teeth, while 1 in 3 children have decay in their baby teeth by the age of 5. This can lead to problems ranging from toothache and cavities to infections and eventually tooth loss.
The good news is that tooth decay can usually be effectively treated or reversed, especially when it’s caught in an early stage. Knowing how to spot the signs and when to visit the dentist can save you from unnecessary pain and costly treatments further down the line.
Read this guide to find out the most common warning signs of tooth decay, along with treatment options and prevention tips. If you want to see a professional, get in touch with our Gold Coast dentists today.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay (also called dental caries) is a dental disease caused by plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that can build up on the teeth. These bacteria feed on sugar and other carbohydrates in food and drink that enter your mouth, which they convert into acids. The acids soften and weaken the surfaces of teeth, eventually wearing through the protective enamel layer to form cavities and expose the more sensitive inner layers of the tooth.
Tooth decay can affect people of all ages. It’s more likely to occur if you don’t follow good daily oral hygiene practices or consume a lot of sugar in your diet.
What are the warning signs of tooth decay?
Tooth decay doesn’t always have obvious signs, which is one reason why it’s important to have regular check-ups with a dentist. However, there are some common symptoms that may be noticed at different stages of decay.
Early stage
In its earliest stage, tooth decay can sometimes be visible as white spots on one or more teeth, usually close to the gums. These spots are areas where the enamel of the tooth has started to break down and lose minerals. There isn’t usually pain or discomfort at this stage, but tooth decay can progress rapidly.
Weak or damaged enamel
If the enamel continues to wear down, the white patches may turn yellow or brown and small holes (cavities) may start to form in your teeth. These may be visible, or you may be able to feel them with your tongue, but some cavities are harder to notice.
Sensitivity
If tooth decay wears through the enamel, it can expose the softer dentin layer beneath. This is yellow in colour and more sensitive, which could cause discomfort when the tooth is exposed to changes in temperature, such as when having hot or cold food and drink. You may also feel pain or discomfort when biting down.
Toothache or swelling
If tooth decay reaches the interior of a tooth, it can cause irritation or inflammation of the dental pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, so pressure from swelling can cause pain, and may need a root canal treatment.
Infection
If bacteria reach the dental pulp, this can also lead to pus collecting at the bottom of the tooth, known as a dental abscess. This can cause pain in the tooth and surrounding jaw, as well as swelling and signs of fever. An abscess needs urgent treatment by a dentist.
If you have a toothache, sensitivity or other possible signs of tooth decay, you should make an appointment with a dentist as soon as possible. It’s also important to keep up with your regular dental visiting schedule to give your dentist the chance to spot signs of problems at early stage. You can call our dentists in Robina on 07 5575 9100.
What are the risk factors for tooth decay?
All teeth are vulnerable to decay, but you or your kids will be at greater risk if:
- you don’t brush and floss your teeth correctly, or as often as your dentist recommends
- you have a lot of sugar in your diet, especially processed sugar in snacks and drinks
- you snack throughout the day, which exposes your teeth to regular acid attacks
- you don’t get enough vitamins and minerals that support oral health, such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A
- you have a dry mouth, meaning there’s less saliva to help rinse away sugar and neutralise acids
- you smoke or drink excessive alcohol
- your tooth enamel is already thin, worn or eroded
What are the dangers of tooth decay?
If tooth decay isn’t treated in time, it could lead to a more serious problem, such as a dental pulp infection or abscess. These may require a more intensive treatment such as root canal therapy or an extraction.
Decayed teeth may affect how your teeth look and how they fit together, which could lead to issues with chewing, speech and self-confidence. If a tooth is lost to decay or an extraction, this can affect the surrounding teeth and the jaw.
Tooth decay in children
Children’s teeth are more vulnerable to decay than adult teeth. This is because the primary (baby) teeth have softer and thinner enamel, and older children’s permanent teeth are also thinner when they’re still developing. Kids and teens who consume a lot of sugar in snacks, cereals, fruit juices, soft drinks and sports drinks are especially at risk.
Tooth decay and tooth loss are serious issues even for baby teeth, as these teeth are vital for allowing children to eat and speak properly, as well as being placeholders for their permanent teeth. If these teeth are damaged or lost prematurely, this can affect the development of the permanent tooth beneath or the surrounding teeth.
Your child’s dentist can discuss ways to lower their tooth decay risk or treat an existing problem.
How is tooth decay treated?
If your dentist confirms that you or your child have tooth decay, they will discuss appropriate treatments based on how far it’s developed. These may include:
Fluoride treatment
In its early stage, tooth decay may be halted by a dental practitioner applying fluoride directly to the affected tooth and other teeth. This helps to strengthen the enamel and protect against further decay, though any existing cavities will still need to be treated.
Regularly brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and drinking fluoridated water can help protect your other teeth.
Fillings or crowns
If tooth decay has caused a cavity or other damage to the tooth, your dentist may be able to restore the tooth by placing a filling inside. This is a quick and painless procedure that can usually be completed in a single visit.
If the damage is more extensive, the dentist may need to place a larger restoration, such as an inlay, onlay or dental crown. Modern crowns and fillings can be made the same colour as natural teeth.
Root canal therapy
If decay has reached the centre of the tooth and affected the dental pulp, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. This involves removing the infected tissue, placing a sterile filling inside and sealing the tooth with a crown. This can sometimes involve several visits, depending on the size of the tooth.
Extraction
If a decayed tooth is too badly damaged to save, or an abscess has formed beneath the tooth, your dentist may sometimes have no option but to pull the tooth. They can discuss options for replacing the tooth afterwards and restoring your bite and smile.
How can tooth decay be prevented?
Tooth decay can generally be prevented by taking good care of your teeth and trying to lower your risk factors. This can involve:
Good oral hygiene
Good brushing and flossing habits can keep most plaque and tooth decay at bay. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day, for two minutes, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. It’s also important to clean between and around your teeth at least once a day using floss or an interdental brush.
Healthy diet
Limiting foods and drinks with high levels of sugar and acids can prevent or slow down tooth decay. Eating a balanced diet will provide beneficial vitamins and minerals to support the health of your teeth and gums.
Preventive dental care
Keeping up with your regular dental visits allows your dentist to monitor the health of your teeth and treat any decay or other problems as early as possible. Preventive treatments such as teeth cleaning and scaling, fluoride application and applying sealants to fill in pits and grooves in teeth can lower your risk of developing tooth decay and cavities.
Tooth decay treatment and prevention Gold Coast
If you’re concerned about tooth decay and need to see a dentist, get in touch with our friendly team at Robina Town Dental today. Call us on 07 5575 9100, send us a message or drop by our dental clinic in Robina Town Centre.
We welcome patients from all nearby suburbs, including Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Clear Island Waters, Mermaid Waters, Merrimac, Miami, Mudgeeraba, Varsity Lakes and Worongary.