Tooth Decay-Symptoms

Tooth Decay - Symptoms

Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or infected tooth. When this occurs, symptoms include:

Toothache, which is the most common symptom. An infection or irritation of the tooth pulp usually causes the pain.
Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.
White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth.
Loose fillings.
A broken tooth or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure.

The pain may become worse when you:

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Eat sweets.
Eat hot or cold foods or drink hot, cold, or acidic liquids, such as citrus drinks.
Chew food or gum.
Breathe in cold air.
Brush your teeth.

Severe tooth decay may cause a pus-filled sac (abscess) to form in the bone at the base of a tooth. Symptoms of abscess include:

Fever.
Swollen glands.
A swollen jaw.
Deep, throbbing pain.

For more information, see the topic Abscessed Tooth.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

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