Common Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a surprisingly common dental issue, prompted mainly by unhealthy, sugary diets and poor oral hygiene. If this problem goes untreated, it can result in huge cavities that get larger by the passing day. Tooth decay is increasingly common in children, the elderly, and teenagers. Considering the consequences of treating tooth decay, it’s important you do what it takes to prevent it. To make this possible, you need to know what causes it.

Read on as an endodontist in Centennial, CO spills the tea.

1. Dentin Decay

The layer under our tooth’s enamel is called dentin. This layer is softer than the external layer, which is why it is more prone to germs and bacteria. Since it is sensitive, tooth decay grows a lot faster on this layer.

2. Damaged Pulp

The pulp is the tooth’s innermost layer. This part of our tooth contains nerves and blood vessels that help keep our teeth healthy. The nerves inside of our tooth help provide sensation and the feeling of pain whenever we get hurt. When our pulp gets damaged, it starts swelling up. The tissue surrounding it, however, can’t accommodate a swollen pulp. This puts pressure on this area which causes the feeling of pain.

3. Loss of Minerals

As we discussed earlier, the outermost layer of every tooth is called the enamel. This layer is mostly built from minerals. As our teeth get exposed to the acid that bacteria produces, the enamel starts losing those essential minerals bit by bit. This causes white spots to start popping up on our teeth.

4. Swollen Gums

As tooth decay advances, the situation becomes worse. When the consistent inflammation goes unnoticed, a small area of puss can form, which is called an abscess. This is when we may start feeling severe pain, and you may also see lymph nodes on your neck.

Getting prompt care for a problem like such from an endodontist in Centennial, CO should be a priority. If you’re based in Cherry Creek, Syrpes and Pangborn can help take the pain away. Click here to learn more.