Tooth decay
Seeing a dentist
Visit your dentist regularly, so early tooth decay can be treated as soon as possible and the prevention of decay can begin.Tooth decay is much easier and cheaperto treat in its early stages.Dentists can usually identify tooth decay andfurther problems with a simple examinationor X-ray .
Find your nearest dentist .
It'salso important to have regular dental check-ups . Adults should have a check-up at least once every two years andchildren under the age of 18 should have a check-up at least once a year.
They may apply a fluoride gel, varnish or pasteto the area. Fluoridehelps to protect teeth by strengthening the enamel, making teeth more resistant to the acids from plaque that can cause tooth decay.
- Your dentist may discussa filling or crown with you this involves removing the dental decay, offering local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and filling the hole. Read about what NHS fillings and crowns are made of .
- If tooth decay has spread to the pulp (in the centre of the tooth, containing blood and nerves) this may be removed in a process known as root canal treatment .
- If the tooth is so badly damaged that it can't be restored it may need to be removed. Your dentist maybe able toreplace the tooth with a partial denture , bridge or implant .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about tooth decay (dental caries), when acids in your mouth dissolve the outer layers of your teeth.
Symptoms of tooth decay
Tooth decay may not cause any pain. However, if you have dental caries you might have: toothache either continuous pain keeping you awake or occasional sharp pain without an obvious cause tooth sens
Seeing a dentist
Visit your dentist regularly, so early tooth decay can be treated as soon as possible and the prevention of decay can begin.Tooth decay is much easier and cheaperto treat in its early stages.Dentists
Cost of NHS treatment
NHS charges are set by the government and are standard for all NHS patients. Charges are assessed each year and usually change every April. Some people don't have to pay for dental treatment, includin
Preventing tooth decay
Although tooth decay is acommon problem, it's often entirely preventable. The best way to avoid tooth decay is to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. For example, you should: visit your
Protecting your child's teeth
Establishing good eating habits by limiting sugary snacks and drinkscan help your child avoid tooth decay. Regular visits to the dentist at an early age should also be encouraged. It's important to te
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