Tooth Decay: Symptoms
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Symptoms
Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or infected tooth. When this occurs, symptoms include:
- Toothache, which is the most common symptom. An infection or irritation of the tooth pulp usually causes the pain.
- Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.
- White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth.
- Loose fillings.
- A broken tooth or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure.
The pain may become worse when you:
- Eat sweets.
- Eat hot or cold foods or drink hot, cold, or acidic liquids, such as citrus drinks.
- Chew food or gum.
- Breathe in cold air.
- Brush your teeth.
Severe tooth decay may cause a pus-filled sac (abscess) to form in the bone at the base of a tooth. Symptoms of abscess include:
- Fever.
- Swollen glands.
- A swollen jaw.
- Deep, throbbing pain.
For more information, see the topic Abscessed Tooth.
| Last updated: | July 30, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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