Tooth decay is the breaking down and destruction of tooth enamel, which is the hard outer surface of the tooth. If a person has tooth decay, it can lead to the early signs of cavities and cause holes to form in their teeth. Tooth decay is caused mostly by bacteria, but other things can contribute to its development. Bacteria that typically live in the mouth change these foods on the teeth, making them acidic. The combination of food, acid, bacteria, and saliva in the mouth creates plaque, which sticks to the teeth. Over a period of time, the acid that formed within the child’s mouth eats away at their tooth enamel, causing cavities to form. What are the early signs of tooth decay? Tooth decay can begin as young as six months to one year of age, so it is important to know how to help identify tooth decay early on. If you’re interested in knowing how to prevent tooth decay, you have to know what to look for. These signs and symptoms of tooth decay include: Gums and teeth sensitive to hot or cold foods: Sensitivity can be an early sign of decaying teeth When cavities start to form, they’re undetectable to the naked eye – but not for the teeth and gum nerve endings. Cavities start as small pits in the teeth, and as the enamel wears down, the interior nerves are subject to and react to certain foods and beverages. Bleeding gums: Gum disease often accompanies tooth decay and is a sign of rotting teeth. Bleeding gums are common with tooth decay in children. See your pediatric dentist if your child’s gums bleed for any reason. Discolored teeth: Small brown or black spots are often the sign of cavities and an early sign of tooth rot. You may also notice a dull white band on the surface of the tooth, close to the gum line, which is usually an early sign of rotting teeth. Foul breath: Foul breath is one of the early signs of teeth rotting. When too much bacteria builds up in the mouth, bad breath soon follows. And not long after that, tooth decay as well. Think of bad breath as an early warning sign of tooth decay. Toothache: A toothache is one of the most classic signs of early tooth decay in children. If a child complains of a toothache for several days, it can likely be due to tooth decay. Toothaches can come on without a warning or they can occur after eating or drinking. Dr. Deepak Kamalanathan, one of the leading prosthodontists in Chennai, brings years of experience in advanced dental care to his flourishing practice at Apple Dental. He is well-versed on advanced dental technologies. Services provided by the doctor include Zirconia, DMLS and PFM Crowns, Implant Prosthesis, Full Mouth Oral Rehabilitation, Veneers, BPS Dentures Fixing, Smile Design, Implant Retained Dentures etc. With highly trained dental team and state-of-the-art facilities, he is passionate about bringing high quality dental care to his patients at affordable costs. Want to make an informed decision about your dental treatment? Visit us @Apple Dental for a consultation where our dental experts can provide recommendations based on your medical history and clinical assessment to help you choose the most effective treatment option. Don’t wait any longer to achieve your perfect smile. Let us help you restore your confidence and improve your oral health. From routine check-ups to complex procedures, our team of dental experts at Apple Dental have got you covered.