Dental decay or cavities affect most people irrespective of age, sex or social background. The following dental information pages answers many of your questions that you have on Dental decay, dental cavities, fillings and dental restorations.

Does decay spread from one tooth to other?

No, it does not. However, it can start on many teeth simultaneously.

---

Do all cavities on tooth cause pain?

The pulp of the tooth contains the nerve endings and blood vessels and is protected by the outer enamel and dentin layer. Shallow cavities at the depth of enamel and the surface of dentin are painless. As the depth of the cavity increases in dentin the tooth becomes painful on eating hot, cold, sour or sweet foods. Once the decay reaches pulp the pain is intolerable.

---

Can a badly decayed tooth be saved?

If sufficient sound tooth structure remains, then the tooth can be saved by covering the whole tooth with a metal crown / cap. A dentist specialized in crown and bridge prostheses will be the best person to treat such teeth.

---

Can a filled or restored tooth get decayed?

Yes, even a cavity filled with a permanent filling can develop dental caries below the filling. Hence, better care by brushing, flossing the restored tooth along with routine checkup will enhance the long-term success.

---

Does regular brushing keep decay away?

Yes to a great extent, since it controls the formation of dental plaque that predisposes to decay. However, other factors like deep grooves and pits on the grinding surface of teeth, weak teeth with less calcium content can make them more susceptible to decay

---

Is decay of teeth only due to eating of chocolates and sweets?

Sticky and sweet foodstuff promote plaque and growth of caries causing microorganisms. This predisposes to dental caries. In addition other causes include poor oral hygiene, teeth having deep grooves and pits etc.

---

Should decay in milk teeth be filled?

Milk teeth are important for the overall growth and development of children and in particular the jaws and face. In addition they maintain the space for incoming permanent teeth. Hence, they need to be saved with restorations until their exfoliation.

---

Does decay occur in old age?

Yes, it does but less frequently and is commonly seen on the exposed part of the root. Advancing age usually results in recession of the gums resulting in exposure of the root surfaces of the teeth. Food and plaque easily accumulates around these areas leading to decay if the oral hygiene is poor