Tooth Decay (Dental caries)
What is tooth decay?
Tooth Decay is the slow destruction of the tooth surface resulting in the formation of a cavity(hole) on the tooth.
What causes tooth decay?
Frequent intake of sugary food such as sweets, sweetened drinks, biscuits, ice cream etc. and highly refined food is the main cause of tooth decay. Bacteria or germs from saliva, which stick to the surface of our teeth and gums, breakdown the sugary food that we eat and drink into acids. These acids eat into the surfaces of our teeth (enamel), It is usually a painless process when this starts, but when tooth decay reaches inner part of the tooth (pulp), pain can be felt and infection might eventually develop.
Signs and symptoms
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Hole formation (cavity) in the tooth
- Toothache
- Swelling of gums surrounding the decayed tooth (dental abscess)
