Tooth decay occurs when teeth are exposed to dangerous acids over an extended length of time. Bacteria are present in everyone's mouth. These bacteria feed on the same food debris that accumulates between the teeth after eating starchy or sugary foods.

However, to digest the leftovers in your mouth, the bacteria release acids that are bad for the layer that safeguards your pearly whites. Plaque is a biofilm that forms on the teeth as a consequence of the interaction of bacteria, acids, and food debris stuck between teeth.

If you discover tooth decay in its earlier stages, it is rather simple to stop it from progressing. Here are the eight typical signs of dental decay you must be aware of: 

1. White spots on the enamel 

White spots on the teeth are one of the first signs of dental decay. These spots start to form as a result of your enamel being worn down by bacteria. They might turn into dark or black stains if you neglect treatment. 

If your dental hygiene fails to remove plaque, it hardens into tartar, a hard substance. Plaque acids eat away at the surface of teeth over time. from the enamel to the dentin, down to the pulp, which houses the blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue of a tooth.

Dental professionals refer to this as tooth decay. It's one of the most prevalent health issues affecting Americans, being particularly common among kids and teens. Nevertheless, the CDC reports that more than 26% of adult US citizens have untreated dental decay.

2. Cavities

The tooth enamel is gradually worn away throughout the subsequent stage of dental decay, leaving a surface hole or gap. When you glance in the mirror after brushing or flossing your teeth, you could see it.

You could feel a hole or gap when you rub your tongue over your teeth. Your only option if you have cavities is to have one of the best dentists fill them and clean them as soon as possible.

3. Bad breath

A further indication of dental decay is persistent bad breath. It could be brought on by decaying food lodged in a cavity or by an accumulation of dangerous bacteria in your mouth. Visit a dentist if you follow a good dental hygiene regimen but your breath still smells bad.

4. Toothache

One of the typical signs of tooth decay is toothaches or sudden discomfort in your mouth. A dental infection brought on by tooth decay may be indicated by pain. Additionally, if you have discomfort when biting into food, you should be worried and take appropriate measures right away. 

5. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperature 

If you experience mild to severe discomfort after eating or drinking something hot or cold, it might be another indication of tooth decay. The enamel, or protective covering, of the teeth, is worn away by tooth decay. This reveals the pulp layer and dentin where your nerves are located. Therefore, eating any hot or cold food stimulates your nerves and blood vessels, which causes discomfort.

6. Pain when eating sweets 

If you have moderate to severe discomfort after eating anything sweet, it may also be an indication of tooth decay. Pain is a clue that the enamel has been damaged because, in general, eating sweets should only make you feel happy.

7. Swollen gums and abscessed teeth 

Untreated cavities become larger, and tooth decay progresses to the deeper layers of the tooth. Because the pulp of the tooth includes nerves and blood vessels, infection is likely if tooth decay reaches there.

Infections result in tooth abscesses, which are pus-filled pockets that form beneath the tooth. As the abscess grows, your face and gums may swell. This might result in extreme pain, migraines, and fever.

8. Missing teeth 

Missing teeth is the last sign and symptom of dental decay. The tooth may be forced out of its socket by an abscess. In some cases, an abscessed tooth may need to be extracted by a dentist in order to stop the infection from spreading.