What are the areas of tooth prone for decay?

The grinding surface of teeth usually has many grooves and pits and is therefore prone for accumulation of food and microorganisms. Thus the grinding surface of the back teeth shows high incidence of dental decay. In addition the area around the contact between the teeth, is also the starting point of decay. Other areas of decay are the pits found on the outer surface of the molars and small pits on the inner side of the upper front teeth

Is any tooth resistant to decay?

No, but usually lower incisors, canines and upper canines are least prone. The first permanent molars are most commonly affected by caries as their grinding surface is often full of deep pits and grooves that tend to accumulate food and microorganisms. In addition the first permanent molars erupt early at a time when the oral hygiene of children is poor. Proper, regular tooth brushing with fluoride containing tooth pastes can help to make the tooth more resistant to decay.

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

Does an abscessed tooth need to be removed?

Dental abscess is the extension of infection from the tooth to the underlying bone. Once, active infection is controlled by antibiotics, the tooth is treated by special procedure called root canal filling. This helps the tooth to be retained in position and function normally.

Why do teeth not white in some people?

Just as skin is of different shades in different people, teeth also exist in different shades of white. A close observation of a single tooth shows that at the tip, it is translucent and becomes darker as it approaches the neck of the tooth. Sometimes external and internal stains do change the colour of teeth. These can be ruled out on examination by a dentist.