Cavity
Also called: dental caries
Permanently damaged areas in teeth that develop into tiny holes.
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging often required
Causes include bacteria, snacking, sipping sugary drinks, and poor teeth cleaning.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
People also ask
Can a tooth decay be fixed?
What are the 5 stages of tooth decay?
What are the 4 symptoms of tooth decay?
How do you treat a decayed tooth?
Nov 30, 2023 · As tooth decay happens, the bacteria and acid move through your teeth to the inner tooth material (pulp) that contains nerves and blood vessels.
A cavity is a hole in a tooth that develops from tooth decay. Cavities form when acids in your mouth wear down (erode) your tooth's hard outer layer (enamel).
Nov 16, 2022 · Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay can ...
Tooth decay can be stopped or reversed at this point. Enamel can repair itself by using minerals from saliva, and fluoride from toothpaste or other sources.
Tooth decay begins when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth's surface (enamel). This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity.
Jul 30, 2020 · Tooth decay can appear differently depending on the stage of severity. You may experience more symptoms, including pain and swollen lymph ...
Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults.
Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is the breakdown of teeth due to acids produced by bacteria. The cavities may be a number of different colors ...
Sep 6, 2023 · The 5 Stages of Tooth Decay · 1. Demineralization · 2. Enamel Decay · 3. Dentin Decay · 4. Damaged Pulp · 5. Abscess Formation. In this final ...
Nov 30, 2023 · Your dentist usually can detect tooth decay by: Asking about tooth pain and sensitivity. Looking around inside your mouth and at your teeth.