What are Dental Caries? What are the Symptoms?

 

What are dental caries?

Dental caries, often called cavities, are erosions of the surface of the tooth caused by the combined effects of bacteria, acids, plaque and tartar. Dental caries are common in both children and adults, and they occur most often as a result of poor dental hygiene. Dental caries are usually painless at first, but they may become painful if they spread to the nerve or root of a tooth. Left untreated, dental caries can progress to a tooth abscess, which is a more painful and potentially serious condition.

Dental caries are common, but they can often be prevented by practicing good dental hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing. Dental caries usually do not require emergency medical care unless they become painful, do not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, or progress to a tooth abscess. Treatment includes removing the decayed material with a drill and filling in the resulting hole with a stable dental material.

What are the symptoms of dental caries?

Generally, you will not experience any serious symptoms from dental caries. When symptoms are present, they may include toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.

Common symptoms of dental caries

You may experience symptoms of dental caries all the time or just occasionally. At times, any of these dental caries symptoms can be severe.

Symptoms of dental caries are usually localized to the mouth and include:

• Holes in the surface of a tooth

• Pain when chewing

• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages

• Toothache

Symptoms that might indicate a serious condition

In some cases, dental caries can be a serious condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Contact your dentist or seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including:

• Severe swelling or pain in the jawbone

• Severe toothache that cannot be controlled by over-the-counter pain relievers

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