Tooth Decay: MedlinePlus [NEW TOPIC PAGE]

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Tooth Decay: MedlinePlus

Tooth Decay

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/toothdecay.html

Also called: Cavities, Dental caries 

 

You call it a cavity. Your dentist calls it tooth decay or dental caries. They're all names for a hole in your tooth. The cause of tooth decay is plaque, a sticky substance in your mouth made up mostly of germs. Tooth decay starts in the outer layer, called the enamel. Without a filling, the decay can get deep into the tooth and its nerves and cause a toothache or abscess.
To help prevent cavities

• Brush your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth every day with floss or other between the teeth cleaner
• Snack smart - limit sugary snacks
• See your dentist or oral health professional regularly

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

• Dental cavities
• Fluoride in diet
• Tooth decay - early childhood
• Toothaches

Related Topics

• Child Dental Health
• Dental Health
• Tooth Disorders
• Mouth and Teeth

National Institutes of Health

• The primary NIH organization for research on Tooth Decay is the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research