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Symptoms of Tooth Decay

Symptoms of tooth decay include pain and sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. Without tooth decay treatment, cavities can lead to swelling, infection, and even tooth loss. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of tooth decay.

The general and pediatric dentists at Kool Smiles offer tooth decay treatment to help children and teenagers have strong, healthy teeth. Find a location near you today.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay starts when the tooth’s outer covering, or enamel, is weakened by acids that are made by bacteria (germs) in the mouth. A cavity is a hole in the tooth where the enamel has been badly damaged.

What Are Symptoms Of Tooth Decay?

Your child might not notice the early symptoms of tooth decay. That’s why it’s important to visit their dentist regularly. Finding tooth decay early means treatment will probably be easier and less expensive.

Symptoms of tooth decay include:

  • Toothache or tooth sensitivity
  • Pain when biting down or when eating or drinking something sweet, hot or cold
  • Holes or pits in the tooth
  • Brown, black or white staining on the tooth
  • Swelling (puffiness) in the gums near the tooth
  • Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

If your child has any of these symptoms of tooth decay, it’s important to see your child’s dentist. Cavities don’t go away on their own, and they can get worse without treatment.

What Are Some Tooth Decay Treatments?

Common tooth decay treatments are:

  • Filling—the cavity is filled with material that is then shaped to look like the tooth
  • Crown—the damaged part of the tooth is replaced by a cap shaped like the tooth
  • Root canal—if the tooth decay has spread to the pulp, or center, of the tooth, it is removed before a crown is placed on the tooth
  • Tooth removal—if the root of the tooth is badly damaged, the dentist will remove the tooth and may replace it with a bridge or implant

Treat Symptoms of Tooth Decay at Kool Smiles

Kool Smiles has convenient locations and kid-friendly offices to help children and teenagers achieve good oral health. They accept private insurance plans, Medicaid, and TRICARE. Find a Kool Smiles location near you to schedule an appointment.

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Sources:

Mouth Healthy: mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/questions-about-going-to-the-dentist/

Mayo Clinic: mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/basics/symptoms/con-20030076

Wed MD: webmd.com/oral-health/tc/tooth-decay-topic-overview#2