Symptoms of Dental decay

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In the early stages of dental decay there may be no symptoms but your dentist may be able to detect an early cavity through examination and x-ray. It is for this reason that you should visit your dentist regularly as small cavities are much easier to treat than advanced decay.

Once the cavity has reached the dentine you may notice sensitivity, particularly with sweet foods and drinks, acidic or hot foods.

As the decay nears the dental pulp you may suffer from toothache. If the toothache is brought on by hot or sweet foods this may last for only a few minutes. As the decay gets closer to the dental pulp the pain may be persistent and you may need to take painkillers, paracetamol or ibuprofen, to control the pain. It is essential to visit your dentist immediately or the tooth will die and you may develop a dental abscess.

Toothache is a symptom indicating that something is wrong, probably with one or more teeth. Neglect will usually make matters worse, and a tooth may possibly be lost that could otherwise have been saved. Toothache is a sign that you should visit a dentist immediately.