Posted 2 years ago 3 Minute(s) to read

Having a hole in your tooth can be an uncomfortable and often painful situation. Sometimes, when you have a pain in your mouth it can be hard to pinpoint exactly what is giving you pain. From decay to infection to wisdom teeth, there could be a number of reasons why you are experiencing discomfort. These symptoms are all signs that you may have a hole in your tooth, however they could also be stemming from other issues. If you are experiencing pain, the first point of call should be to see your dentist to address any issues.

Tooth sensitivity

Particularly when eating hot or cold foods, your tooth may be even more sensitive than usual. What does this feel like? It may feel like a sudden shock when you try to bite down using that tooth. If you already have sensitive teeth, you may get this feeling when you eat ice cream or drink really cold water. If you have a hole in your tooth, this sensitivity may be even stronger than you’re used to.

Toothache

A toothache can be extremely uncomfortable and frustrating when all you want is for it to go away! Depending on the severity or where the toothache is, they can last for hours, even dragging on for days. A toothache could be a symptom of a few different issues however decay is a very common reason for a toothache. As soon as you start to feel an achy pain, you should book into see your dentist to ensure the pain doesn’t become worse.

Discolouration 

Black, brown or white stains on your tooth are often caused by tooth decay. Sometimes this discolouration can just be from natural stains, however if the colour feels a bit different to the rest of your tooth, it could be growing decay. It is important to address this as soon as possible so that the decay does not spread further within the tooth.

Difficulty chewing

This can be a weird sensation and will feel like your tooth is unable to bite down into foods. You may feel a sharp, sudden pain in your tooth when you bite and this could be an infected nerve reacting and may be the start of growing decay. You shouldn’t experience pain when trying to eat so if this is happening, there is an issue that needs to be addressed by your dentist.

Visible hole

This may seem obvious but a pretty good indication that there is a hole in your tooth is if you can actually see one! This doesn’t mean if you can’t see a hole that there isn’t one there but if you notice a little hole on the top or side of your tooth, you should see the dentist as soon as possible to have it filled in.

How to avoid decay

There are many reasons why you may have tooth decay and there are a number of ways you can avoid it.

  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste for at least 2 minutes, at least twice a day.
  • Floss daily.
  • Drink water and rinse your mouth after eating.
  • Visit your dentist regularly, we recommend every 6 months.
  • Avoid sipping on juices or sugary drinks.
  • Minimise sugar intake.
  • Chew gum after meals to regulate saliva, flushing away excess food that may become stuck between teeth. 

Incorporate these few tips into your daily routine and you should be able to avoid decay altogether. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you can book in for a checkup to ensure the issue doesn’t becoming any worse.