If care is not taken to look after your teeth, you will undoubtedly start to see signs of tooth decay. Hawthorn East Dental does not recommend you ignore signs that your teeth look unclean and where you are seeing tartar building up around the gum-line.
Letting decay go unchecked can lead to serious dental issues. Here are some signs you may have teeth that are decaying.
Tooth Pain
When the nerve has been exposed, you may experience tooth pain. This may be the result of a cavity or hole. Clearly this is one of the easier ways to tell you have an issue because of the feeling of pain.
If the pain does not subside within a couple of hours, or if the pain is intense, then book in with one of our dentists immediately.
Dark Spots on your Teeth and Visible Holes
If you have visible holes in your teeth or you see dark spots then cavities have already formed and the only way to deal with it is to see one of our qualified Melbourne dentists who will provide a thorough hygiene assessment and be able to offer a solution.
Bad Breath
Unfortunately you may only find out you have bad breath through what other people tell you. If you are concerned you may have bad breath then trust a family member or close friend to tell you by asking them to check.
The Taste in your Mouth
Bad breath might be a better way to tell if you have decay but some can tell based on having a bad taste in their mouth. If in doubt, see a Melbourne Dentist.
If after attempting to fix the issue through better oral hygiene, the problem persists, then you may have tooth decay issues or a cavity.
Bleeding whilst Brushing
Whilst bleeding when brushing or flossing might not be a sign of tooth decay, it can be a sign of sensitive gums or the start of dental issues that may lead to gum disease.
Gum Swelling
When tartar is building up along the gum-line where the gum meets your teeth, it may lead to swollen gums and a sign that you need to have dental treatment. Gum swelling can lead to Ginigivitis including bleeding gums.
The Sad Australian Statistics on Tooth Decay and Dental Issues.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, a whopping 42% of children between the ages of 5 and 10 have experienced tooth decay in their baby teeth and in 2016-17 there were approximately 70,200 hospitalisations for dental conditions which may have been prevented if treated earlier.
In order to avoid your children being one of those statistics, it’s important to provide them with the right foods and ensure they look after their teeth, even if they are baby teeth, from a young age. Developing an oral routine from a young age will assist children to form positive dental habits into adulthood.
Hawthorn East Dental can assist you to develop an oral hygiene routine so you and your family have healthy teeth well into the future. Speak with us to obtain expert advice on your situation or if you are concerned about tooth decay. Book in today by calling (03) 9882 6606
