Common "Dental Caries" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Dental Caries

Tooth decay or dental caries is the disease of the tooth where a combination of factors like carbohydrate or sugar-rich foods, bacteria, time, and poor oral hygiene, erode or damage the most rigid layer of the tooth called enamel. This results in cavity formation. If untreated, it can proceed to the deeper layers. Tooth pain and swelling are its characteristic features.

Recently Answered Questions Recently Answered Questions

All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

I am seeking expert advice on tooth decay. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 36-year-old female seeking your expert advice and guidance on tooth decay. I have been experiencing dental concerns and am eager to address them effectively. Your expertise can provide valuable insights on prevention and management. Could you explain tooth decay, including its c...  Read Full »


Dr. Bharat Joshi

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read the query, and I can understand your concern. Dental caries, or tooth decay, is primarily caused by two things: plaque buildup, which leads to an increase in microbiological growth (mostly Streptococci mutans), and a decrease in the fluoride content of t...  Read Full »

My lower tooth has a hole near the gum line. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor,My bottom tooth has a kind of a hole at the gum line. I do not know. When I breathe in, it feels cold like the air went in my tooth. It just does not seem or feel normal. Also, on my upper front tooth, I have some kind of deep line. An example like when you make a line in the sand and i...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per your history, you have having class 5 dental cavity in the lower tooth. You need to do a filling (restoration) of the tooth as soon as possible. If you do not take measures at this time you may need RCT (root canal treatment) which will be 10 to 20 expensiv...  Read Full »

My teeth X-ray shows three cavities. Should I be concerned?

Query: Hello doctor,My orthodontist found three cavities on the X-ray, but my dentist says that I do not have any. Should I be concerned? I have had sensitive teeth always. I do not want to have a root canal or something like that. Is it soon enough if I have an appointment with another dentist in 14 days?...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hi, I appreciate you signing up on icliniq.com. You now have exclusive access to expert medical opinion. Yes, you can get an appointment with another dentist for consultation. Having an appointment within 14 days is not a problem. I suggest you continue brushing properly after meals. Please attac...  Read Full »

I have developed tooth pain. Has the infection spread?

Query: Hello doctor, I had my tooth checked up last year, and the doctor told me to go for an OPG as he was planning for a root canal therapy. But due to severe negligence and work, I could not do that. It is almost a year now, and tonight I am having a painful time. Please tell me whether there is a chanc...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per your history and associated symptoms, it looks like you have now acute pulpitis leading to acute apical periodontitis. That means because of open pulp chamber, it is now infected. You need to take antibiotics and analgesics for this one. In case you do not have any...  Read Full »

I am worried about having multiple cavities. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am convinced that I have a lot of cavities. I was inspecting my teeth the other day and I have multiple points of concern and I am now afraid to get to the dentist. I have my six-month cleaning in days and I am anxious. I have two small smooth dots on two teeth on the side. Is this a...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The black dots would be the carious lesions. It does not matter if you take much care and do regular brushing, with time the carious lesions increase in the dental arch. You need to get it filled by a dentist as soon as possible. The multiple carious teeth happen becau...  Read Full »

I have cavities despite good oral hygiene measures. Why?

Query: Hello doctor, I have done proper dental care as followed by norms since childhood but was diagnosed with two root canals when I was 15, only one root canal had reached the surface. Now I am 18, and my recent visit to a dentist revealed that I have six cavities building up (one of my root canals has...  Read Full »


Dr. Srinivas Saketh. G

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Teeth having multiple cavities suggests improper maintenance. It could either be due to improper brushing or too much of sticky food or a hereditary feature. You need to just visit your dentist and get to know the correct way of brushing and also have a meticulously...  Read Full »

Kindly clear my queries regarding healthy oral care.

Query: Hello doctor,I am a 35-year-old female. I have a decayed tooth on the upper right side of my mouth. What are the best practices for preventing tooth decay, such as appropriate brushing and flossing techniques, and how often should I visit the dentist for check-ups and cleanings? How do diet and nutr...  Read Full »


Dr. Bharat Joshi

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. We are elated to have you on board at icliniq. Please be aware of the following: Brushing is a good method of maintaining good plaque control. The modified bass technique is the best technique for brushing. In addition, using floss, preferably an unwaxed one, is ...  Read Full »

There is a hole in my tooth. What should I do?

Query: Hello doctor, I am 27 years old and have not seen a dentist since I was 18. I have a hole that has started to develop in one of my top teeth (although I have not experienced pain from it) and believe it is due to a cavity or gum disease. I use spitting tobacco and know I have other teeth issues. But...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your clinical images (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Yes, it is a cavity and not a gum problem. In medical terminology, it is called a class-V dental cavity. If it does not pain, it can be simply filled with a GIC (glass iono...  Read Full »

I would like to understand the treatment plan for my cavities. Kindly help.

Query: Hi doctor, I do not have lot of money. I would like to avoid unnecessary procedures since my dentist has been recommending a lot of procedures lately. On my treatment plan, I have two partial crowns (onlay on teeth in my lower left side) and three regular composite fillings on teeth 19, 21 (lower le...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. After seeing the X-rays, it seems you already have filled all cavities. I do not see more cavities which need to be filled. You have two crowns which also seem to be fine. You only need to get routine scaling and polishing...  Read Full »

Why do I have tooth decay in spite of brushing twice?

Query: Hello doctor, All my lower back teeth have started to decay. I brush my teeth twice daily, morning and before sleep. Please help me.  Read Full »


Dr. Praveena Borra

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I would like you to go to your nearby dentist and get it confirmed if it is decay or stains. If it is decay, then your dentist might suggest you get some dental fillings done. If it is just stains that you are noticing, then the stains could be removed by dental scalin...  Read Full »

ask-doctor-img Ask a Doctor Online

* Your first query consult is free!

Search for a Health Issue



Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.