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What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is when your teeth become eroded by plaque, which is a combination of bacteria, saliva and food particles. The bacteria in plaque produce acid, which erodes your tooth enamel. Once the hard outer layers of your teeth are eroded, it can affect the soft middle part of your teeth.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What are the symptoms of tooth decay?

There are no symptoms of tooth decay in the early stages, which is why it is important to get regular dental check-ups to catch it early. Symptoms of late-stage tooth decay include toothache and sensitivity, bad breath, visible holes, or grey, brown or …

What causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay is caused by plaque that builds up on teeth. Plaque is a mix of bacteria, saliva and food particles. It is particularly damaging when you consume food and drink that is high in sugar, because the sugar causes the bacteria to produce more acid.

How is tooth decay diagnosed?

Tooth decay is usually diagnosed during a routine dental check-up. Your dentist may also take an X-ray of your teeth to detect the extent of cavities.

How is tooth decay treated?

If caught early, tooth decay is treated with a fluoride varnish. If caught late, when the decay has reached the soft middle of your tooth, it may require root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

Can tooth decay be prevented?

You can help reduce the risk of tooth decay by brushing at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day and avoiding between-meals sugary foods and snacks.

What is the outlook for tooth decay?

If caught early, the tooth decay is easily treated with a fluoride varnish, but if left untreated, it can require root canal treatment or a tooth extraction.

Is tooth decay serious?

Tooth decay can be serious. Left untreated, tooth decay can erode the hard outer layer of your teeth and eventually get into the soft middle. If this happens, you may need root canal treatment or the tooth to be extracted.

What increases the chances of developing tooth decay?

Tooth decay happens more often to the teeth at the back of your mouth. It is also more common in people who are young or old, do not brush or floss properly, eat or drink food high in sugar, snack between meals, or have eating disorders.

How common is tooth decay?

Although tooth decay is not as common as it once was, thanks to cavity-fighting fluoride in most treated water supplies, it is still a widespread problem.

What can make tooth decay worse?

The longer tooth decay goes untreated, the worse it gets. Continuing to have sugary food and drink, not brushing your teeth properly, not flossing and not drinking fluoridated water all can make tooth decay worse.

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About this article

Author: Dr Bow Tauro PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 07 Jul 2015
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Votes: 512 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Oral hygiene

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