What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay describes the condition where in the tooth, under a variety of harsh conditions, breaks down leading to the formation of a cavity. It starts with a hole/opening on the tooth surface and of not treated, it reaches the deeper sections if the tooth, where the pulp and nerves are causing the tooth to become sensitive to a variety of stimuli, a variety of gum problems such as inflammation and swelling pain and ultimately tooth loss. ... more

Tooth Decay describes the conditions wherein the tooth, under a variety of harsh conditions, breaks down leading to the formation of a cavity. It starts with a hole/opening in the enamel. If this is not treated, it progressively reaches the deeper sections of the tooth, where the pulp and the nerves are causing the tooth to become sensitive to a variety of stimuli, a variety of gum problems such as inflammation and swelling, pain, and ultimately tooth loss. ... more

Top A.Tooth decay describes the condition wherein the tooth, under a variety of harsh conditions, breaks down leading to the formation of a cavity. It starts with a hole/opening in the enamel. If this is not treated, it progressively reaches the deeper sections of the tooth, where the pulp and the nerves are causing the tooth to become sensitive to a variety of stimuli, a variety of gum problem such as inflammation and swelling, pain, and ultimately tooth loss. ... more

Tooth decay is a destruction of the tooth enamel. It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. ... more

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay. ... more

Regular Office Visit When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up? In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday. Are baby teeth really that important to my child? Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. What should I do if my child has a toothache? First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see a dentist as soon as possible. Are thumbsucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child's teeth? Thumb and pacifier sucking habits will generally only become a problem if they go on for a very long period of time. Most children stop these habit ... more

Tooth decay damages your teeth and leads to fillings or even extractions. Decay happens when sugar reacts with the bacteria in plaque. This forms the acids that attack the teeth and destroy the enamel. After this happens many times, the tooth enamel may break down forming a hole or ‘cavity’ into the dentine. The tooth can then decay more quickly. ... more

Tooth decay is a destruction of the tooth enamel. It occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) such as milk, pop, raisins, cakes or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. ... more

A combination of plaque, sugar and time leads to tooth decay. The bacteria in the plaque, which sits on the tooth surface, use the sugars from our diet to produce acid. These bacteria survive well in an acidic environment and continue to produce more acid. The acids produced will dissolve the tooth surface very quickly by removing Calcium and Phosphate. These minerals are what make the tooth strong. If sugar is frequently available to the bacteria and lots of acid is being produced, the tooth surface will continually dissolve. This leads to tooth decay. If plaque from the tooth surface and sugars from the diet can be eliminated or greatly reduced, the risk of decay starting is minimised. Decay can also be stopped or reversed. This can only happen if acid production stops and the lost minerals are replaced. Lost minerals can be replaced with Fluoride and the Calcium and Phosphate in saliva. Tooth decay can be detected during a thorough dental examination and history. It is important to ... more

A combination of plaque, sugar and time leads to tooth decay. The bacteria in the plaque, which sits on the tooth surface, use the sugars from our diet to produce acid. These bacteria survive well in an acidic environment and continue to produce more acid. The acids produced will dissolve the tooth surface very quickly by removing Calcium and Phosphate. These minerals are what make the tooth strong. If sugar is available to the bacteria frequently and lots of acid is being produced, the tooth surface will continually dissolve. This leads to tooth decay. If plaque from the tooth surface and sugars from the diet can be eliminated or greatly reduced, the risk of decay starting is minimised. Decay can also be stopped or reversed. This can only happen if acid production strops and the lost minerals are replaced. Lost minerals can be replaced with Fluoride and the Calcium and Phosphate in saliva. Tooth decay can be detected during a thorough dental examination and history. It is important to ... more