Your oral health is vital to your quality of life. It affects your daily functions, like how you eat and talk. Besides, your dental hygiene impacts even your confidence and the way you smile. 

Untreated tooth decay, also known as cavities or dental caries, is a disease that affects both children and adults. It is a significant health concern and the most prevalent disease in the world. A cavity is an easily preventable problem, yet it significantly impacts a person's physical and social functions. 

In the past decades, the prevalence of tooth decay has decreased because of better education on oral hygiene and brushing with fluoride toothpaste. Regardless, it remains that among children and adolescents, cavities are 4 to 5 times more common than asthma. Additionally, more than 90% of adults have had cavities. 

The risk of cavities increases with poor oral hygiene, the formation of plaque and eating sweets. Plaque forms when bacteria, saliva and food particles get stuck on your teeth for too long. In time, acid forms on your teeth when the bacteria break down food and sugar, slowly destroying the surface of your teeth.

The following are early signs or symptoms for detecting a cavity:

Discoloration on your Teeth

The outermost layer of the tooth crown is called the enamel. When tooth decay starts on the enamel, it is asymptomatic and reversible. You may brush your teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste or get a fluoride treatment at your dentist. The first sign of tooth decay appears as spots on your tooth or teeth. 

The following colours may form:

• White or chalky spots

• Brown discoloration

• Black discoloration

Holes on the Surface of the Teeth

When the enamel collapses, the next layer is the dentin, which is softer. If your cavity reaches the dentin, the tooth decay progresses faster and will require restoration or filling. 

At this stage of tooth decay, physical signs appear, such as:

• Visible pits and holes in your teeth. 

• Your cavity may or may not show symptoms such as mild pain.  

Pain and Swelling

Once the enamel and dentin corrode, bacteria can infect the pulp. The pulp is the center of the tooth, which consists of nerves and blood vessels. If you ignore the physical damage to your teeth, bacteria eventually reach the pulp. 

You will experience swelling and pain due to infection of the nerves and blood vessels inside your tooth. A root canal therapy or extraction is required to remove the infected tissues.

At this stage of tooth decay, you will experience symptoms such as:

• Tooth sensitivity when drinking hot or cold drinks

• Pain due to pressure on your teeth when chewing or talking

• Constant pain may also occur even without pressure

• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may develop due to the infection

A regular dental check-up can prevent the risk of getting cavities. Depending on their age and oral hygiene, every individual will have varying needs to maintain their teeth. 

Usually, It is recommended that you get a regular check-up at least twice a year. Nevertheless, if you notice any signs or symptoms of a cavity, schedule a visit immediately. 

Waiting for a few days or weeks can worsen your cavities, infecting the surrounding teeth. The more you ignore cavities and leave them untreated, the cost and complexity of a treatment increases.