There is probably nothing more unsightly than rotting teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental research, five percent of adults aged 20 to 64 have no teeth. What’s most interesting about tooth decay is how the numbers break down across age, class ranking and race. Access to tooth care is drastically worse among minorities, an unfortunate side effect of being marginalized by systemic racism.

When one thinks of rotting teeth, however, the typical stereotype of the English working class cockney with a mouthful of teeth in poor health often leaps to mind. This is, of course, a fallacy aided by years of hack comedians. The number of adults with missing teeth or fillings by the age of 20 is still staggering.

The market for tooth care products is also largely bullocks. When asked what toothpaste is best, dentist Gregory Iorgavan claims that pretty much any product will have the same outcome. The advertising campaigns promising superiority over other toothpastes are just that: false advertising. Any toothpaste, when used properly, will have the desired effect.

The symptoms of tooth decay are vast and often painful. There are several tooth decay symptoms to be aware of:

1. Cavities

Cavities occur when the enamel surrounding teeth is softened, causing damage to the make up of the tooth caused by acids and plaque build-up. Left untreated, the plaque can work its way into the inner layer of the tooth known as dentin, leading to a root canal.

There are numerous factors that can lead to a cavity, including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, eating and drinking sugary foods, bacteria and acid. There are also a variety of more natural medical problems such as acid reflux and bulimia. It’s best to brush regularly and visit a dentist for regular cleanings

2. Pain

According to the Mayo Clinic, toothaches are the most common symptom of a cavity. In more severe cases, the pain can be especially bad when eating or drinking hot or cold food and drink. Pain is often one of the most aggravating tooth decay symptoms. At this point, one should visit their dentist immediately to treat these tooth decay symptoms. Some possible treatment options include getting dental implants to alleviate the pain.

3. Pressure

The lack of enamel can cause tooth sensitivity and pressure when biting down. To avoid applying too much pressure on your teeth, watch the types of foods that you eat. Foods that get stuck in your teeth like chips and candy can amplify tooth decay. This is why flossing is also important, but it’s recommended to switch to fruits and vegetables. Not only do they natural scrub your teeth, they’re also much healthier.

4. Pits

These tooth decay symptoms occur when the cavity is more serious. When a cavity first appears, it looks like a white spot on the surface of the tooth. As it worsens, there are noticeable holes in the tooth. In some cases, however, pits are only identifiable via dental X-ray.

How do you avoid pits? The best advice is to eat less sugary snacks. It’s okay to have a bit of a sweet tooth, but if you start to notice more cavities, it’s best to limit or eliminate your intake of sodas and candy.The sugar stays in your mouth for longer than other foods, creating the plaque-building acid that leads to cavities. If you really want, you can brush your teeth immediately after each snack, but that may be hard to do on the road.

5. Discoloration

Some people naturally get a black, yellow or brown stained tooth from coffee and cigarettes. But it’s something to keep an eye on. Cavities may start out as white marks, but as they pick up stains, you’ll notice the infected tooth is changing colour more drastically.

Fluoride could be a good way to combat against discolouration. Despite what conspiracy theorists will tell you, there’s nothing harmful or mind-controlling about fluoride. While it’s naturally in the water supply, usually at harmless levels, it can be helpful to use an enamel shield toothpaste. Rinsing with fluoride products each night is always helpful.

6. Pus

This is probably the most serious symptom, as it means the tooth is infected. A noticeable layer of pus surrounds the tooth. This occurs when the cavity has traveled to the pulp of the tooth, which has living tissue and cells. Usually, the tooth is likely inflamed. At this point, it’s all be guaranteed the tooth will need to be removed.

To avoid pus, you should simply brush your teeth more often. The typical person brushes only twice day, as they’ve been told to do so since childhood. However, it’s recommended to do it more often – preferably after every meal. This is especially helpful after eating or drinking something sugary, as it will keep your mouth free of plaque build-up.