Tooth decay is damage to a tooth caused by plaque. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that sticks to the teeth above and below the gum line. If plaque isn't removed from the teeth, it can build up and harden into tartar. The bacteria in plaque and tartar use sugars in food to make acids. These acids can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Any part of your child's tooth can decay, from the roots below the gum line to the chewing surface. Decay can affect the outer layer (enamel) and inner layer (dentin) of your child's teeth. The deeper the decay, the worse the damage.
Untreated tooth decay will get worse and may lead to tooth loss. If your child has a small hole (cavity), your child's dentist can repair it by removing the decay and filling the hole. If the tooth has deeper decay, your child may need more treatment. A very badly damaged tooth may have to be removed.
Tooth decay is damage that occurs when bacteria in the mouth make acids that eat away at the enamel of a tooth. This can cause a hole in the tooth called a cavity. If it isn't treated, tooth decay can cause infection, pain, and loss of the tooth.
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.
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:
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.
Bacteria and food can cause tooth decay. A clear, sticky substance called plaque is always forming on your teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat.
As the bacteria feed, they make acids. The acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or more after you eat. Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.
You may be more likely to have tooth decay if you:
Children, whose teeth are still growing, are more likely to have tooth decay than adults. This is because the minerals in new teeth are not very strong and are easier for acids to eat away.
Tooth decay is damage to the enamel of your teeth. It can lead to a hole in the tooth, called a cavity. Cavities can affect the deeper layers of the tooth.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your dentist now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
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