Cavity (Dental caries)
Dental Caries
Tooth decay is very common. Everyone has germs in their mouth. After you eat, you have food pieces left on your teeth. The germs combine with the food to make acid. The acid can eat away the protective enamel of the tooth and cause tooth decay. You can have decay on the tooth surface or deep into the tooth. Because it takes time for the acid to break through the enamel, you may not notice any signs with early decay. Only the dentist can see it with an x-ray. If you do have signs, it is because the decay is going deep into the tooth.
Name
Tooth Decay, Adult
About this topic
Tooth decay is very common. Everyone has germs in their mouth. After you eat, you have food pieces left on your teeth. The germs combine with the food to make acid. The acid can eat away the protective enamel of the tooth and cause tooth decay. You can have decay on the tooth surface or deep into the tooth. Because it takes time for the acid to break through the enamel, you may not notice any signs with early decay. Only the dentist can see it with an x-ray. If you do have signs, it is because the decay is going deep into the tooth.
What drugs may be needed?
Help with pain,Fight an infection,Help to relax you,Strengthen the teeth.
What problems could happen?
Pain,Infection,Tooth loss,Swelling,Decay on nearby teeth
Body systems
Adult,Dental,Emergency Medicine
What are other common names?
Adult Caries,Adult Cavities,Adult Decay,Caries,Cavity,Decay,Dental Caries,Dental Carries,Dental Cavities,Dental Decay,Oral Hygiene,Tooth Cavity,Tooth Decay,Tooth Pain
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider’s advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
Copyright
Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.
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