Guide Note: Tooth Decay is a universal problem that can affect anyone young or old. Tooth decay will occur when bacteria in your mouth makes acids that destroy tooth enamel which if left untreated will result in a cavity. Plaque, which contains bacteria, is always forming on your teeth and gums. This bacteria feeds on the sugar and starch in the foods you eat and makes acids. The acids then attack the tooth enamel destroying it and causing tooth decay.

One of the most common disorders is tooth decay second only to the common cold. When tooth decay is left untreated and forms a cavity, the cavity gets larger and can cause extreme pain, infections, and tooth loss. Tooth decay can also be a sign of an underlying condition such as diabetes or heart disease. Early detection and treatment of tooth decay can save expense, pain and your teeth. Fast Facts:

90% of Americans have at least a cavity
75% of people have a cavity by age 5
More than 2/3 of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least 1 permanent tooth to a cavity
50% of Adults 75 or older have root decay
Easier and less expensive to prevent than treat
Treatment: fillings, fluoride, crowns, root canal, tooth extraction
Complications: pain, abscess, tooth loss, broken teeth, chewing problems, serious infection
If tooth loss occurs can affect self esteem
Don't smoke or chew tobacco
Children more prone to cavities than adults
Small cavities may not cause pain
Toothache number 1 reason for dental visits
Prevention: brush and floss regularly, limit snacking and sipping, regular dental visits, dental cleaning, health diet, fluoride treatments
Risk factors: Certain foods/drinks, heartburn, eating disorders

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Tooth Decay, please consult your doctor.

Categories

Health | Dental | Diseases | Childhood Diseases | Mens Health | Womens Health | Parenting | Child Health

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Tooth Decay

Also try: Fillings | Gum Disease | Dr John's Lollipops

The Mahalo Top 7

American Dental Association (ADA): Tooth Decay
WebMD: Tooth Decay Overview
MayoClinic.com: Cavities/Tooth Decay
Wikipedia: Dental Caries
MedlinePlus: Dental Cavities
Cleveland Clinic: Cavities
NYU Medical Center: Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay News

Google News: Tooth Decay Search
ABC News: Cavity-Fighting Candy Helped Cut Tooth Decay: Study (April 9, 2008)
ScienceDaily: Simple Push Filling Wins Crown In Battle Against Tooth Decay (December 20, 2007)
HealthDay: Tooth Decay Is Kids' Stuff (November 25, 2007)
HealthDay: Breast-Feeding Doesn't Contribute to Cavities (October 1, 2007)
The Toronto Star: A Quantum Leap for Treating Tooth Decay (July 2, 2007)

Tooth Decay Facts

MayoClinic.com: Cavities/Tooth Decay
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP): Mouth and Teeth: How to Keep them Healthy
iVillage: About Tooth Decay
MedicineNet.com: Dental Cavities
WebMD: Oral Health: The Mouth-Body Connection

Tooth Decay Causes, Symptoms and Complications

WebMD: Tooth Decay Cause | Symptoms
MayoClinic.com: Cavities/Tooth Decay: Signs and Symptoms | Causes | Complications
MedicineNet.com: What Causes Cavities?

Tooth Decay Treatment Options

MayoClinic.com: Cavities/Tooth Decay: Treatment
iVillage: Treatment Options for Tooth Decay
WebMD: Tooth Decay - Treatment Overview
Cleveland Clinic: Fillings

Tooth Decay Holistic and Alternative Treatment

Whole Life Times: The Fluoride Factor
Alternative Medicine: Alternative Medicine Cabinet - Sugar With Attitude
PeaceHealth: Xylitol
MotherNature.com: Cavities Learning to Live Without

Tooth Decay Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Preventing Dental Caries
MayoClinic.com: Cavities/Tooth Decay: Prevention
WebMD: Tooth Decay - Prevention
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD): Dental Care for Your Baby

Tooth Decay Scientific and Medical Journal Articles

PubMed Central Search: Tooth Decay
The Journal of the American Medical Association Search: Tooth Decay
Journal of the American Dental Association: Diet and Tooth Decay (2002)

Tooth Decay Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrials.gov: Tooth Decay Clinical Trials

Tooth Decay Support Groups

Dental Fear Central: Dental Phobia Forum
CureZone: Dental Problems Support Forum
Daily Strength: Tooth Decay Posts

Tooth Decay Discussion and Blogs

MedHelp: Tooth Decay Posts
HealthBoards: Dental Problems
Well (NYT): Overweight Kids Have Fewer Cavities (April 2, 2008)
A Western Heart: Global Warming Causing Increased Tooth Decay in Children (April 1, 2008)

Related Searches

Dental Cleaning | Root Canal | Gum Disease | Cavity | Gingivitis | Meth Mouth | Fillings | Tooth Extraction | Dr John's Lollipops

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