Signs of tooth decay: What to look out for at every stage

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars from food and drink, releasing acid that gradually wears away your enamel. Caught early, it’s easy to treat but left unchecked, it gets more serious. The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities’ Adult Oral Health Survey 2023 found 41% of adults in England with natural teeth had obvious tooth decay, up from 28% in 2009, so it’s worth knowing what to look for.

Early signs of tooth decay

• White or chalky spots. Usually the very first visible sign, appearing where minerals are starting to be lost from the enamel. Caught here, decay can sometimes be reversed with fluoride and better hygiene, and we’re also a registered provider of Curodont™ Repair, a drill-free treatment designed specifically for this early stage.
• Tooth sensitivity. A sharp or shooting reaction to hot, cold or sweet food and drink, caused by thinning enamel exposing the more sensitive layer underneath.

Signs as decay develops

• Toothache. A dull ache or sharper pain around a tooth, a sign decay has moved beyond the enamel.
• Bad breath or a lingering unpleasant taste. Decay-related bad breath tends to persist despite good brushing, unlike everyday causes.

More advanced signs: see your dentist soon

• Visible holes or dark spots. Black, brown or grey marks, or an actual pit in the tooth, mean a cavity has formed.
• Pain when biting or chewing. Usually means decay has reached the inner part of the tooth.
• Gum swelling or tenderness near a tooth. It can point to infection and needs prompt attention.

What does a cavity look like?

Early on, a cavity can look like nothing more than a white spot. As decay progresses, that spot typically darkens through tan or brown to black, and you may see or feel an actual pit. Because early cavities are genuinely hard to spot yourself, a check-up (with an X-ray where needed) is the most reliable way to catch decay before it’s visible.

What do do next

A solid hygiene routine that includes brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular hygienist visits, is your best defence. If decay has already set in, it’s usually treated with a straightforward filling, and the earlier it’s caught, the simpler that tends to be.

Can early tooth decay be reversed?

Yes. Decay caught at the white-spot stage can often be halted or reversed with fluoride and better oral hygiene, before it becomes a true cavity needing a filling.

We also offer Curodont™ Repair, a drill-free treatment that helps rebuild the tooth at this early stage.

Have you noticed any of these signs, or it’s just been a while since your last check-up? Get in touch with our team and we’ll take a look.