Search results
People also ask
What happens if you don't get treatment for tooth decay?
What happens if a tooth is not treated?
Can eating disorder cause tooth decay?
What happens if a tooth decays beyond a cavity?
What causes tooth decay if you eat a lot?
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
Tooth decay is a common problem caused by too much sugar and poor oral hygiene. Learn how to prevent and treat it, and when to see a dentist.
- Stage 1: Initial Demineralization
- Stage 2: Enamel Decay
- Stage 3: Dentin Decay
- Stage 4: Pulp Damage
- Stage 5: Abscess
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
The outer layer of your teeth is composed of a type of tissue called enamel. Enamel is the hardest tissueTrusted Sourcein your body and is mostly made up of minerals. However, as a tooth is exposed to acids produced by plaque bacteria, the enamel begins to lose these minerals. When this occurs, you may see a white spotappear on one of your teeth. T...
If the process of tooth decay is allowed to continue, enamel will break down further. You may notice that a white spot on a tooth darkens to a brownish color. As enamel is weakened, small holes in your teeth called cavities, or dental caries, can form. Cavities will need to be filled by your dentist.
Dentin is the tissue that lies under the enamel. It’s softer than enamel, which makes it more sensitive to damage from acid. Because of this, tooth decay proceeds at a faster rate when it reaches the dentin. Dentin also contains tubes that lead to the nerves of the tooth. Because of this, when dentin is affected by tooth decay, you may begin experi...
The pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels that help to keep the tooth healthy. The nerves present in the pulp also provide sensation to the tooth. When damage to the pulp happens, it may become irritated and start to swell. Because the surrounding tissues in the tooth can’t expand to accommodate this sw...
As tooth decay advances into the pulp, bacteria can invade and cause an infection. Increased inflammation in the tooth can lead to a pocket of pus forming at the bottom of your tooth, called an abscess. Tooth abscesses can cause severe pain that may radiate into the jaw. Other symptoms that may be present include swelling of the gums, face or jaw, ...
Learn about the five stages of tooth decay, from initial demineralization to abscess, and how to recognize the signs of each stage. Find out how to treat and prevent tooth decay with fluoride, fillings, crowns, root canals, and antibiotics.
Nov 30, 2023 · Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatment of cavities, a common dental problem that affects people of all ages. Find out how to prevent cavities with good oral hygiene, fluoride and regular dental checkups.
Mar 2, 2022 · Learn how tooth decay occurs when bacteria produce acids that attack the enamel, and how to prevent and treat it. Find out the stages, complications, and outlook of tooth decay, and when to see a dentist.
- Karon Warren
Toothache can be a sign of tooth decay, a dental abscess, a cracked tooth or other problems. Learn when to see a dentist, how to ease the pain and how to prevent toothache.
Learn about the main dental treatments carried out by dentists, such as fillings, crowns, braces and implants. Find out which treatments are available on the NHS and how much they cost.
What is tooth decay? Tooth decay is damage to your tooth’s surface, or enamel, from acids. If you don’t get treatment, this can progress to a small hole in your tooth, called a cavity, which can cause pain and an infection. In the later stages of tooth decay, you may even lose your tooth. What causes tooth decay?
