What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is damage to a tooth caused by germs (bacteria) in your mouth. These bacteria make acids that can eat away at layers of the tooth. These include the hard outer layer (enamel), middle layer (dentin), and center of the tooth (pulp). The more layers that have decay, the worse the damage.
What are the symptoms of tooth decay?
You may not have symptoms until you have a cavity or tooth infection. When this happens, it's common to have a toothache. Your gums may swell near the sore tooth. You might have bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. You could have white, gray, brown, or black spots on your teeth.
How is tooth decay diagnosed?
Your dentist will ask about your past dental and medical problems and care. Your dentist will check your teeth using a pointed tool and a small mirror. You may also get X-rays of your teeth and mouth to find tooth decay that can't be seen with the eyes alone.
How is tooth decay treated?
Treatment for tooth decay depends on how bad it is. If tooth decay is caught early, before a cavity forms, you may be able to stop it by brushing with fluoride toothpaste or getting fluoride treatments.
If the decay has eaten through the enamel, you may need one or more treatments. These may include:
- A filling if a cavity has formed. Your dentist will remove the decay and fill the hole with material. This will restore the tooth to its original shape.
- A crown if the decay is bad and your tooth is damaged. A crown, or cap, replaces part of your tooth.
- A root canal if the pulp of your tooth is infected. The diseased pulp of a tooth is removed.
- Removal (extraction) if the root of the tooth is badly damaged. The dentist may replace the tooth with a bridge or an implant.
How can you care for your child who has tooth decay?
- Give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
- Do not give your child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the cheek over the tooth for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.
Tooth decay: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
Call your dentist now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse symptoms of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- Red streaks leading from the area.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
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