In order to spot a problem, you must first know what to look for! Tooth decay is a common occurrence in children and adults. It’s caused by plaque forming on your teeth, staying on your teeth and eventually, breaking them down.

Plaque will begin to form if you don’t properly clean your teeth to rid them of starches and sugars. If these substances are left on your teeth, bacteria will begin to grow and form plaque. At this time, you can still clean your teeth with the right products to break down and remove plaque. If you don’t remove the plaque, however, it can harden into something called tartar. This will make the plaque even harder to remove.

If the plaque is not removed, it will continue to cause damage. The acid in plaque erodes and makes holes in the enamel that protects your teeth. These tiny holes are known as cavities. The bacteria can reach through cavities to the next layer of your teeth and cause sensitivity.

If your teeth feel sensitive, this will be a big indicator of a cavity or early sign of tooth decay. You should go to your dentist to see what the cause of the sensitivity is. If left untreated, the bacteria will march on, to the inner tooth material that contains your nerves and blood vessels. This can cause even more pain, as swelling develops and expands within and even outside of the tooth.

Be aware of the food you eat and be sure to properly clean your teeth to stop plaque from forming. If you remove the starches and sugars before they turn to plaque, you will not have to worry about all the troubles that it can cause down the line.

Don’t forget to visit your dentist for a professional cleaning once a year! Some dentists will even recommend that you get a cleaning twice a year to help keep your teeth healthy and plaque free!