Cavities begin with dental decay, which occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that weaken the tooth’s enamel. This often starts from poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, or sugary drinks. In the early stages, you might not notice anything, but as the decay progresses, you may experience tooth sensitivity, visible holes, or pain while chewing.

Cracked or chipped teeth usually result from trauma, biting hard objects, or chronic teeth grinding. Initially, the damage may seem minor and painless. Over time, however, these cracks can deepen, making the tooth sensitive to temperature changes or pressure and increasing the risk of infection or structural damage.

Tooth sensitivity often starts as a slight twinge when eating or drinking something cold, hot, or sweet. This may be caused by worn enamel, gum recession, or minor decay. When left untreated, that sensitivity can develop into a persistent toothache, which may signal a deeper issue like a cavity, cracked tooth, or infection involving the tooth’s nerve.

Tooth discoloration often begins as surface staining from habits like drinking coffee, tea, or red wine, or from tobacco use. These stains may start off light but can gradually darken over time. In some cases, the discoloration comes from within the tooth due to aging, trauma, or medications, making the teeth appear dull, yellow, or gray.

Dental anxiety can start with a single bad experience or a general fear of dental visits. This often shows up as uneasiness before appointments, discomfort in the dental chair, or even avoiding treatment altogether. Over time, this fear can impact your oral health by delaying necessary cleanings or treatments, allowing issues to worsen.

Gum disease is branched from gingivitis, which is an inflammation of our gums. This commonly happens due to poor oral hygiene and results in swollen gums and bleeding when brushing or flossing. However, as gingivitis becomes gum disease, also known as periodontitis, your gums may become swollen, red, and lead to recession.