What Are Early Signs of Dental Decay?

Tooth decay is one of the most common dental ailments. It’s important to be able to identify signs of decay so that you can seek treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, decay can wreak havoc on your smile and can even lead to more serious health concerns down the road.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay occurs when bacteria buildup begins to damage and eat away at the tooth’s structure. This causes the enamel to weaken and pockets to form at the gumline where more bacteria can collect and harbor.

Early Signs of Tooth Decay

It’s not uncommon for tooth decay to be hard to detect in the early stages. It isn’t until later on that it becomes more prevalent. However, there are a few signs you can look out for to try to catch tooth decay early on: white spots and enamel decay. White spots begin to appear on a decaying tooth due to a lack of calcium and plaque buildup. The enamel also starts to break down because decay disrupts the remineralization process.

Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay

Preventive dentistry is a key component of preventing tooth decay. Regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings twice a year can help stave off cavities. By visiting the dentist on a biannual basis, they can thoroughly clean your teeth in any hard-to-reach areas that may have plaque and tartar buildup. Dentists can also catch any dental issues early on at these visits and treat decay early on before it progresses and worsens. Another key factor for preventing cavities is your oral hygiene regimen. Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily to avoid bacteria buildup.

Schedule Your Next Dental Check-Up

Have you put off your dental cleaning and exam? Now is the perfect time to get back to the dentist and ensure that your oral health is still on track! If you’re in need of a dental check-up, please contact Dental Solutions of Avon/Indy to schedule your visit!