Tooth decay (caries) is damage to a tooth that can occur when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth surface or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth called a cavity. If left untreated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection and even loss of teeth.

People of all ages can develop tooth decay once they have teeth - from childhood to senior years.

Young children are at risk for "early childhood caries," also called tooth decay, which is severe decay in baby teeth.

Because many older adults suffer from gum recession, which allows decay-causing bacteria in the mouth to contact the root of the tooth, they can develop decay on the exposed root surfaces of their teeth.

Causes

When spoilage bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, they form an acid. This acid can damage tooth enamel, causing it to lose minerals.

This can happen if you eat or drink often, especially foods and drinks that contain sugar and starch. The repeated cycles of these "acid attacks" keep the enamel from losing minerals. Over time, the enamel is weakened and then destroyed, creating a cavity.

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms with early tooth decay. As the tooth decay progresses, it can cause a toothache (toothache) or tooth sensitivity to sweets, hot or cold. If the tooth becomes infected, an abscess or pus sac can form and cause pain, facial swelling and fever.

Diagnosis

Tooth decay can be detected during a regular dental check-up. Early tooth decay can look like a white spot on the tooth. If the decay is more advanced, it may appear as a dark spot or hole in the tooth. The dentist can also check the teeth for soft or sticky spots or take an X-ray, which can show decay.

Therapy

Dentists often treat cavities by filling them. A dentist will remove the decayed dental tissue and then restore the tooth by filling it with filling material .

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Helpful Hints

Here are some things you can do to prevent tooth decay:

• Use fluoride, a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing, and even reverse or stop tooth decay prematurely. You can get fluoride from
  • Brush with a fluoride toothpaste.
  • Drink tap water with fluoride.
  • Use a fluoride mouthwash.
• Have a good oral hygiene routine. Brush the teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and regularly clean between the teeth with dental floss or another interdental (between-the-teeth) cleaner.
• Make smart food choices that limit foods high in sugars and starches. Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
• Do not use tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco. If you are currently using tobacco, consider quitting.
• See a dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings.

A Note to Parents: Visit Healthy Mouth for Your Baby and The Tooth Decay Process: How to Reverse It and Avoid Cavity , to learn how to care for your baby's and children's teeth, including information on when to use fluoride toothpaste going to use. In addition, talk to your dentist about kittens if your child's permanent (second) teeth come in. They cover the chewing surfaces of teeth and can help prevent decay.