What is tooth decay?

• Tooth decay is the process that results in a cavity (dental caries). It occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss.

• Tooth decay is damage to the enamel of your teeth. It leads to cavities that can affect every layer of the tooth. Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by bacteria in the mouth eat away at a tooth. Any part of a tooth can decay, from the roots below the gum line to the chewing surface.
• You can easily prevent tooth decay by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, seeing your dentist for teeth cleaning and checkups, and avoiding foods that are high in sugar.

How is it treated?

• Treatment for tooth decay depends on how bad it is. You may be able to reverse slight tooth decay by using fluoride. To fix cavities caused by mild tooth decay, your dentist will fill the cavities with another substance (fillings). For more severe tooth decay, you may need a crown or root canal. In extreme cases, your dentist may have to remove the tooth.

Types of Fillings:

• Silver fillings
• Tooth-Color composition fillings