Over 26% of American adults have untreated tooth decay [1]. Tooth decay happens when your tooth enamel—the hard, shiny outer layer of your teeth—becomes damaged, which allows bacteria and acids to eat away at the tooth, eventually causing a hole that’s known as a cavity.

Although regular dental visits give your dentist a chance to identify any potential cavities early to minimize treatment, you may be wondering if there are any early signs of tooth decay that you can look out for. The following are some signs and symptoms you could experience when a cavity is forming.

Discoloration of the Tooth Enamel

One of the first signs of tooth decay is discoloration of the tooth enamel. However, the appearance of this discoloration can be fairly subtle. You may notice a white spot on your tooth enamel that looks different from the rest of your teeth. The spot may also be dark in appearance, such as a brown or black color [2].

This discoloration is generally a sign that the tooth enamel has been compromised in that area and that a cavity may be about to form. At this stage, it may be possible to reverse the cavity with a fluoride treatment from your dentist instead of getting a filling.

Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth are also a sign that your tooth enamel has been damaged. Tooth enamel protects your teeth from bacteria, plaque, and acids that can cause decay, but it also shields the softer, more sensitive tissues of your teeth from hot and cold foods and drinks.

When tooth enamel begins to wear away—which can happen due to poor oral hygiene, a diet high in refined sugar, aggressive tooth brushing, or even teeth grinding—tooth sensitivity can result.

If you have sensitive teeth, you may feel pain or discomfort when eating or drinking something hot, cold, sweet, or even spicy [3]. Any tooth sensitivity should be evaluated by your dentist, not only because it could point to a dental issue, but because your dentist can help you manage and improve your sensitivity to reduce your discomfort.

Pain When Biting Down

Tooth decay may also be accompanied by tooth pain. You may have pain when biting down, such as when chewing, or you may have spontaneous tooth pain that comes and goes [4]. If your tooth decay has progressed, you may also have a mild or severe toothache that would require medical attention as soon as possible, as it could indicate that you have a tooth infection.

Remember You May Not Have Symptoms

Unfortunately, early tooth decay doesn’t produce many symptoms. It could be some time before you have symptoms of tooth decay, at which point the cavity may have progressed significantly and you may be at risk to lose your tooth. The good news is that by keeping your regular dental appointments, you can stop tooth decay in its tracks—so don’t wait to follow up with your dentist for your next checkup!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/basics/adult-oral-health/index.html
2.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/Files/ADA_PatientSmart_To
oth_Decay.ashx
3. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mouth/tooth-decay#symptoms
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cavities/symptoms-causes/syc-
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