Tooth Decay Causes and Symptoms

Tooth Decay Causes and Symptoms

Tooth decay is caused by acid-forming bacteria in the mouth that live in plaque that has not been removed from the surfaces of the teeth. Decay is more likely to affect the teeth in the back of the mouth (the molars and premolars). These teeth have pits and grooves on their upper surfaces that make it more difficult to remove plaque completely.

Tooth decay can develop over a period of months or even years without any obvious symptoms. When the decay begins to affect the dentin or the pulp beneath the enamel, however, the patient may begin to notice such symptoms as:

• Sensitivity when eating or drinking sweet, very hot, or very cold foods

• Pain when biting on something firm or tough

• Pus around a tooth, which indicates that at abscess has formed

• Pain that lasts after the person has finished eating

• Visible pits or holes in the tooth

• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

• Intense toothache

Comments

  1. Donnell NashNovember 27, 2017 at 4:49 AM

    I hope I don't have tooth decay, I haven't been to the dentist in four years and I haven't brushed my teeth as much anymore, and my teeth have been sensitive to ice cream.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michael MillerMarch 16, 2018 at 11:57 PM

    Flossing isn't all that recommended anymore. Comprehensive view of all the studies on flossing and regular tooth brushing shows the benefits just aren't there.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jeffrey OliveJuly 5, 2018 at 9:03 PM

    Well done love your simple yet targeted information. Tooth decay, also called dental caries disease, refers to demineralization or weakening of the teeth, and the end result of caries disease is a caries lesion.

    ReplyDelete

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