I Ignored the Signs of Tooth Decay — Here’s What Happened

So, let’s rewind a bit. I used to be that person who brushed (most of the time), flossed when I remembered, and figured that if my teeth weren’t hurting, they were probably fine. Spoiler alert: they were not.

A few years back, I noticed this weird sensitivity when drinking cold water. Just a bit of a twinge. Nothing unbearable. But it started happening more often. Cold drinks, then sweet stuff, then just randomly during the day. I kept brushing it off (pun unintended), until one day I woke up with full-blown, “why-does-my-face-feel-like-it’s-throbbing” pain.

Long story short: I had tooth decay. And it wasn’t new.

Now that I’ve been through the process of treating it — and learning the hard way what I should’ve spotted earlier — I figured I’d share the real-life signs, the stuff no one talks about, and how I finally sorted it with the help of the folks at SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon.

First off… What actually is tooth decay?

Tooth decay sounds like one of those things that only happens to people who don’t brush or eat 12 chocolate bars a day. But nope — it’s sneaky and surprisingly common.

Basically, tooth decay is caused by bacteria in your mouth feeding on sugars from food and drink. They produce acid, which slowly wears away your enamel (that’s the outer layer of your teeth). If left unchecked, that acid can eat right into the dentin underneath, eventually forming cavities. That’s when the real pain starts.

What causes tooth decay? (More than you think)

When I first asked, “What are the 4 causes of tooth decay?”, I assumed it’d be something simple like “sugar” or “not brushing.” But there’s more to it than that. Here are the big four my dentist pointed out:

1. Poor oral hygiene – If you’re not brushing properly (or skipping floss), bacteria and plaque build up fast.
2. Sugary and acidic foods/drinks – The usual suspects: sweets, fizzy drinks, and even “healthy” stuff like dried fruit.
3. Lack of fluoride – Fluoride helps protect enamel. If you’re not getting enough (through toothpaste or water), you’re more vulnerable.
4. Dry mouth – Saliva helps neutralise acids and wash away food. If you’ve got a dry mouth (from meds or dehydration), it can up your risk.

So yeah, the reasons for tooth decay aren’t always obvious. It’s not just about skipping a brush here and there — sometimes it’s habits you didn’t even realise were causing problems.

Symptoms I Wish I’d Paid Attention To

Now that I know better, I can see the signs were there. But at the time? I either ignored them or thought they were “normal.” Don’t make the same mistake. Here’s what to look out for:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold – that little zap when sipping tea or water? Yeah, that’s a warning sign.
• Toothache – even mild pain that comes and goes shouldn’t be ignored.
• Visible holes or dark spots – sounds obvious, but when it’s a back tooth, it’s easy to miss.
• Bad breath or a strange taste – bacteria can build up in decayed areas.
• Pain when biting or chewing – another one I brushed off as “maybe I bit too hard” — nope, it was decay.

If any of this sounds familiar, do yourself a favour and get it checked. The longer you leave it, the worse it gets. Trust me.

So, what’s the fix?

I ended up at SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon, after a friend recommended them. Honestly? They made the whole thing so much easier than I expected. I was embarrassed (and slightly panicking), but they were calm, non-judgmental, and explained everything without making me feel like an idiot.

Here’s how they helped:

1. Examination and X-rays
   They had a proper look, took some X-rays, and showed me where the damage was. Turns out, I had decay in two molars — one worse than the other.
2. Fillings
   For the smaller cavity, a simple filling sorted it out. They numbed the area (which, weirdly, was less uncomfortable than flossing when you haven’t done it in weeks), cleaned out the decay, and filled the space. Done and dusted in under 30 minutes.
3. Root Canal
   The second one was deeper. The decay had reached the nerve, which is why the pain had started ramping up. I needed a root canal — which, I swear, sounds scarier than it is. It took a bit longer, but I didn’t feel a thing, and it saved my tooth.
4. Prevention Plan
   This bit was gold. They didn’t just patch me up and send me on my way. The team gave me a full plan to prevent future problems — tips on brushing, flossing, fluoride mouthwash, and even what to eat (and when) to reduce risk. No fluff, just real, useful advice.

Looking back now…

If you’re reading this wondering, “Could I have tooth decay?” — please don’t wait until it hurts. Even if you’re not in pain, decay can be quietly doing its thing. Book in for a check-up. The earlier you catch it, the simpler (and cheaper) it is to sort.

And if you’re local and looking for a dentist that won’t make you feel like a terrible person for having a dodgy molar or two, seriously check out SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon. They get it. They listen. They actually care. And they explain things in a way that makes sense — no confusing jargon, just real talk.

A few quick tips to avoid ending up where I did:

• Brush twice a day, and don’t rush it
• Floss or use interdental brushes daily (yes, daily)
• Limit snacks between meals — especially sugary ones
• Rinse your mouth with water after acidic drinks
• Use fluoride toothpaste — and don’t rinse straight after brushing
• Book a check-up every six months — even if everything “feels fine”

Final thoughts

Tooth decay is sneaky. It doesn’t always show up with flashing lights and pain. Sometimes it’s just a bit of sensitivity, a weird taste, or nothing at all — until it gets worse. But it’s preventable. And treatable.

Now that I’ve seen both sides of it — the ignoring and the fixing — I’d say this: don’t wait for things to hurt. Just get it checked. Stay on top of the basics. And if you’re unsure, talk to someone who knows their stuff.

For me, that’s the team at SW19 Confidental Dental Clinic Wimbledon. They helped me turn things around — and now I’m the one telling you to stop putting it off.

You’ll thank yourself later.