Health

How to Know You Have Tooth Decay in Burlington, ON

Tooth decay happens when your tooth enamel becomes damaged, exposing internal parts to harmful bacteria. Sugar buildup on the teeth, along with mouth bacteria, results in plaque formation. These bacteria produce acids that can cause tooth decay. When not addressed promptly, tooth decay can result in bigger cavities impacting your teeth’s deeper layers. 

If you are serious about dental care for your family in Burlington, ON. So, you must make sure your loved ones brush their teeth two times a day. Aside from using fluoride toothpaste, everyone in the family must eat a healthy diet, reduce their intake of sugary foods, and floss their teeth once a day to get rid of food particles between them. You may have tooth decay if you are suffering from any of the following:

Toothache

Persistent toothache strongly indicates tooth decay that happens as a result of enamel erosion, which exposes the teeth’s inner nerves. Sometimes the pain disappears and recurs. Or you may feel pain whenever you brush or floss your teeth or bite something using an infected tooth. Whenever you experience tooth pain that does not subside for a long time, visit your dentist right away. Sometimes, dentists may remove the tooth depending on how seriously damaged it is. 

Increased Sensitivity

Tooth decay exposes the dentin, which is a deep layer of your teeth, causing sensitivity whenever you consume acidic, sweet, hot, and cold foods or beverages. Tooth sensitivity can indicate the tooth has lost its enamel, and you must seek attention from your dentist as soon as possible. 

Dental Cavities

When tooth decay is left unaddressed, cavities can form as bacteria eat away your tooth. Over time, cavities can become deeper and reach the roots of your teeth. Before this happens, your dentist can fill a cavity with a dental filling. 

Tooth Spots

As your teeth begin to decay, they may develop discolorations or stains on their surfaces. As mouth bacteria continuously eat away your tooth enamel, a tooth’s yellow layer is exposed. Over time, the stains can become darker, indicating serious decay. If the stains have turned black, this can mean your dentin, pulp, and root have been damaged. 

When not addressed, the discoloration can expand to other teeth. Also, brown spots can develop when you consume dark beverages and foods. Practicing good oral hygiene is important to prevent these stains from becoming permanent. If you go to your dentist for this issue, they may recommend that you undergo a professional teeth whitening procedure. 

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