Tooth decay - Revision history

Prab: CSV import

2025-04-12T18:29:22Z

CSV import

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:29, 12 April 2025
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	[[File:Blausen 0864 ToothDecay.svg\|left\|thumb\|Tooth decay]]		[[File:Blausen 0864 ToothDecay.svg\|left\|thumb\|Tooth decay]]
	Decay of the [[teeth]] caused ~~by¬†~~[[caries]], and progressing to [[cavities]] in the [[enamel]] and the [[dentine]].		Decay of the [[teeth]] caused by [[caries]], and progressing to [[cavities]] in the [[enamel]] and the [[dentine]].
	== Introduction ==		== Introduction ==
	Tooth decay (dental caries) is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth‚Äôs surface, or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.		Tooth decay (dental caries) is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth‚Äôs surface, or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
	People of all ages can get tooth decay once they have teeth‚Äîfrom childhood through the senior years.		People of all ages can get tooth decay once they have teeth‚Äîfrom childhood through the senior years.
	Young children are at risk for ~~'''early~~ childhood caries,~~'''~~sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, which is severe tooth decay in baby teeth.		Young children are at risk for ‚Äúearly childhood caries,‚Äù sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, which is severe tooth decay in baby teeth.
	Because many older adults experience receding gums, which allows decay-causing bacteria in the mouth to come into contact with the tooth‚Äôs root, they can get decay on the exposed root surfaces of their teeth.		Because many older adults experience receding gums, which allows decay-causing bacteria in the mouth to come into contact with the tooth‚Äôs root, they can get decay on the exposed root surfaces of their teeth.
	Back to top		Back to top
	==Causes==		==Causes==
	When decay-causing bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, they form an acid. This acid can attack the tooth‚Äôs enamel causing it to lose minerals.		When decay-causing bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, they form an acid. This acid can attack the tooth‚Äôs enamel causing it to lose minerals.
	This can happen if you eat or drink often, especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches. The repeated cycles of these ~~'''acid attacks'''~~will cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. Over time, the enamel is weakened and then destroyed, forming a cavity.		This can happen if you eat or drink often, especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches. The repeated cycles of these ‚Äúacid attacks‚Äù will cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. Over time, the enamel is weakened and then destroyed, forming a cavity.
	[[File:Tooth decay and abscess xray.png\|left\|thumb\|X-ray of tooth decay]]		[[File:Tooth decay and abscess xray.png\|left\|thumb\|X-ray of tooth decay]]
	==Symptoms==		==Symptoms==
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	Here are some things you can do to prevent tooth decay:		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, early tooth decay. You can get fluoride by		*Use fluoride, a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing, and even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay. You can get fluoride by
	**Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.		'''Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.
	**Drinking tap water with fluoride.		'''Drinking tap water with fluoride.
	**Using fluoride mouth rinse.		'''Using fluoride mouth rinse.
	*Have a good oral hygiene routine. Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and regularly clean between teeth with floss or another interdental (between-the-teeth) cleaner.		*Have a good oral hygiene routine. Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and regularly clean between teeth with 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.		*Make smart food choices that limit foods high in sugars and starches. Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.

Prab: CSV import

2025-04-08T20:47:24Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 20:47, 8 April 2025
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	[[File:Blausen 0864 ToothDecay.svg\|thumb\|Tooth decay]]		{{SI}}
	Decay of the [[teeth]] caused by [[caries]], and progressing to [[cavities]] in the [[enamel]] and the [[dentine]].		{{Infobox medical condition
			\| name = Tooth decay
	==~~Overview~~==		\| image = [[File:Dental_Caries_Cavity_2.JPG\|250px]]
	Tooth decay (dental caries) is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the ~~tooth’s~~ surface, or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.		\| caption = A [[tooth]] with visible [[dental caries]]
			\| field = [[Dentistry]]
	People of all ages can get tooth decay once they have ~~teeth—from~~ childhood through the senior years.		\| synonyms = Dental caries, cavities
			\| symptoms = [[Toothache]], visible holes in teeth, [[tooth sensitivity]]
	Young children are at risk for ~~“early~~ childhood caries,” sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, which is severe tooth decay in baby teeth.		\| complications = [[Tooth loss]], [[infection]], [[abscess]]
			\| onset = Gradual
	Because many older adults experience receding gums, which allows decay-causing bacteria in the mouth to come into contact with the ~~tooth’s~~ root, they can get decay on the exposed root surfaces of their teeth.		\| duration = Long term
			\| causes = [[Bacteria]] in the mouth, frequent snacking, sugary drinks, poor oral hygiene
			\| risks = High sugar diet, poor oral hygiene, lack of [[fluoride]]
			\| diagnosis = [[Dental examination]], [[X-ray]]
			\| prevention = [[Oral hygiene]], [[fluoride]] use, regular [[dental check-up]]s
			\| treatment = [[Fluoride treatment]], [[dental filling]], [[crown (dentistry)\|crown]], [[root canal]]
			\| frequency = Common
			\| deaths = Rare
			}}
			[[File:Blausen 0864 ToothDecay.svg\|left\|thumb\|Tooth decay]]
			Decay of the [[teeth]] caused by¬†[[caries]], and progressing to [[cavities]] in the [[enamel]] and the [[dentine]].
			== Introduction ==
			Tooth decay (dental caries) is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth‚Äôs surface, or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
			People of all ages can get tooth decay once they have teeth‚Äîfrom childhood through the senior years.
			Young children are at risk for '''early childhood caries,'''sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, which is severe tooth decay in baby teeth.
			Because many older adults experience receding gums, which allows decay-causing bacteria in the mouth to come into contact with the tooth‚Äôs root, they can get decay on the exposed root surfaces of their teeth.
	Back to top		Back to top

	==Causes==		==Causes==
	When decay-causing bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, they form an acid. This acid can attack the ~~tooth’s~~ enamel causing it to lose minerals.		When decay-causing bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, they form an acid. This acid can attack the tooth‚Äôs enamel causing it to lose minerals.
			This can happen if you eat or drink often, especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches. The repeated cycles of these '''acid attacks'''will cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. Over time, the enamel is weakened and then destroyed, forming a cavity.
	This can happen if you eat or drink often, especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches. The repeated cycles of these ~~“acid attacks”~~ will cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. Over time, the enamel is weakened and then destroyed, forming a cavity.		[[File:Tooth decay and abscess xray.png\|left\|thumb\|X-ray of tooth decay]]
	[[File:Tooth decay and abscess xray.png\|thumb\|X-ray of tooth decay]]

	==Symptoms==		==Symptoms==
	In early tooth decay, there are not usually any symptoms. As tooth decay advances, it can cause a toothache (tooth pain) or tooth sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold. If the tooth becomes infected, an abscess, or pocket of pus, can form that can cause pain, facial swelling, and fever.		In early tooth decay, there are not usually any symptoms. As tooth decay advances, it can cause a toothache (tooth pain) or tooth sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold. If the tooth becomes infected, an abscess, or pocket of pus, can form that can cause pain, facial swelling, and fever.

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

	==Treatment==		==Treatment==
	Dentists commonly treat cavities by filling them. A dentist will remove the decayed tooth tissue and then restore the tooth by filling it with a filling material.		Dentists commonly treat cavities by filling them. A dentist will remove the decayed tooth tissue and then restore the tooth by filling it with a filling material.

	==Helpful Tips==		==Helpful Tips==
	Here are some things you can do to prevent tooth decay:		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, early tooth decay. You can get fluoride by		*Use fluoride, a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing, and even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay. You can get fluoride by
	**Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.		**Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.

Prab at 19:40, 28 May 2023

2023-05-28T19:40:16Z

New page

[[File:Blausen 0864 ToothDecay.svg|thumb|Tooth decay]]
Decay of the [[teeth]] caused by [[caries]], and progressing to [[cavities]] in the [[enamel]] and the [[dentine]].

==Overview==
Tooth decay (dental caries) is damage to a tooth that can happen when decay-causing bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the tooth’s surface, or enamel. This can lead to a small hole in a tooth, called a cavity. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

People of all ages can get tooth decay once they have teeth—from childhood through the senior years.

Young children are at risk for “early childhood caries,” sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay, which is severe tooth decay in baby teeth.

Because many older adults experience receding gums, which allows decay-causing bacteria in the mouth to come into contact with the tooth’s root, they can get decay on the exposed root surfaces of their teeth.
Back to top

==Causes==
When decay-causing bacteria come into contact with sugars and starches from foods and drinks, they form an acid. This acid can attack the tooth’s enamel causing it to lose minerals.

This can happen if you eat or drink often, especially foods and drinks containing sugar and starches. The repeated cycles of these “acid attacks” will cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. Over time, the enamel is weakened and then destroyed, forming a cavity.
[[File:Tooth decay and abscess xray.png|thumb|X-ray of tooth decay]]

==Symptoms==
In early tooth decay, there are not usually any symptoms. As tooth decay advances, it can cause a toothache (tooth pain) or tooth sensitivity to sweets, hot, or cold. If the tooth becomes infected, an abscess, or pocket of pus, can form that can cause pain, facial swelling, and fever.

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

==Treatment==
Dentists commonly treat cavities by filling them. A dentist will remove the decayed tooth tissue and then restore the tooth by filling it with a filling material.

==Helpful Tips==
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, early tooth decay. You can get fluoride by
**Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste.
**Drinking tap water with fluoride.
**Using fluoride mouth rinse.
*Have a good oral hygiene routine. Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and regularly clean between teeth with 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 currently use tobacco, consider quitting.
*See a dentist for regular check-ups and professional cleanings.
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[[Category:Tooth decay| ]]
[[Category:Acute pain]]
[[Category:Acquired tooth disorders]]