Common "Tooth Decay" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Tooth Decay

The softening of the tooth enamel caused by permanent damage due to bacteria producing acids is called tooth decay. When you eat sugary food, the bacteria in the mouth break down the sugar and produce acid, which demineralizes the tooth surface resulting in a cavity. Some of the factors that increase the risk of tooth decay are dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, eating sticky foods, etc.

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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 have had braces for the past three years and now my teeth have started decaying. Why so?

Query: Hello doctor, I have had braces for the past three years. Now my teeth have started decaying. I do brush my teeth properly but not sure why are they decaying. What should I do? Kindly help.  Read Full »


Dr. Purva Jingar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I want to know when your dentist will remove the braces. Actually, the dentist is right we cannot fill cavities and it is not recommended to get them filled like this. It occurs because the food gets stuck in the teeth. You need to rinse your mouth with mouthwash or ...  Read Full »

How to clarify oral health issues as I am scared of dentist?

Query: Hello doctor, I am absolutely terrified of going to the dentist. I received health care through my college which ends soon. I am not sure dental insurance is covered as they do not require that. I am concerned about my far back right tooth. I have never had my teeth pulled even after braces at age 1...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. As per your history, it looks like you are having multiple carious lesions. The condition of one tooth looks grim, a grossly decayed. You need multiple restorations and extraction of one tooth. To get a better opinion and prognosis you...  Read Full »

My mother is 50 years old and has had black spots on her teeth for the past three months. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, My mother is 50 years old, and I am observing black spots on her teeth for the past three months (had two black spots on two teeth from childhood but for the other tooth the black spots are newly appearing on the top of the upper tooth). Could you please help with the cause and what s...  Read Full »


Dr. Bharat Joshi

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. I can see the blackish spots that seem to be a combination of arrested caries and stains (attachment hidden to protect the patient’s identity). Since the other teeth are also showing abrasion and calculus so I confirm these spots are th...  Read Full »

How to improve good oral hygiene in a 7-year-old child?

Query: Hello doctor, My daughter is seven years old and has a decayed tooth on the upper right first molar. I can also see some white deposits on her teeth. She brushes her teeth twice a day. Then, why does she have some white deposits on her teeth? How to remove these white deposits present on her teeth? ...  Read Full »


Dr. Veerabhadrudu Kuncham

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query and understood your concern. I suggest you follow the instructions mentioned below. 1. Avoid giving her sweet foods before going to bed at night. 2. Give multivitamin supplements for three months. 3. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is very imp...  Read Full »

Should I go for an RCT or extraction in case of a deep cavity?

Query: Hello doctor, My molar tooth has a deep cavity. It has no pain, but the doctor said the infection is too deep, reaching the bone area. He told me about the RCT process of four sittings. I want to ask, should I go for RCT or tooth extraction in this condition? What should I do if the infection is too...  Read Full »


Dr. Nazima Anjum

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As your dentist said, the cavity is too deep; one thing is a normal filling cannot be done since a deep cavity has to be cleaned, and then a filling has to be done; in that case, there are chances that the pulp chamber may get exposed then you may have pain. There are ...  Read Full »

I have tooth pain after undergoing dental treatment. Why?

Query: Hello doctor, I visited a dentist because of the pain in my tooth. She started doing the procedure but am not sure if she was doing that correctly. She anesthetized me thrice but I could still feel the pain. I am not satisfied with her treatment. Please suggest what to do. Please help.   Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through your query and understood your concern. The medication the dentist puts inside the tooth is used for necrotizing any remaining nerves inside the roots and also sanitizing them. It is called Formocresol. In such an infected cavity that causes pain, nerve...  Read Full »

I have a decayed tooth with a bracket on it. Can a temporary filling be done for that tooth?

Query: Hello doctor,I have a decayed tooth with a bracket on it. Can a temporary filling be done? Kindly help.  Read Full »


Dr. Gaurav Kumar Pandey

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. I understand your concern. If there is any caries present during orthodontic treatment it should be filled before starting the treatment. You can visit the nearest dentist to remove the bracket. Every dentist has the necessary instrument to...  Read Full »

What are the options for visible cavities on my front teeth?

Query: Hello doctor,I have tooth decay at the base of my top teeth. I had depression a few years ago. I think it resulted from not brushing my teeth properly during that time. The base is now yellow and exposed. I believe the enamel is gone as well. I have no sensitivity or pain associated with those teeth...  Read Full »


Dr. Srinivas Saketh. G

Answer: Hello,Welcome to icliniq.com.I read your query and understand your concern.You could go for cosmetic restorations for those teeth. The decayed part will be removed and replaced with a tooth-colored restorative material. If this is not possible, you can get veneers done for those teeth. Veneers are b...  Read Full »

I have tooth decay next to a missing molar. Kindly suggest.

Query: Hello doctor, I had cavities in my right and left upper molar teeth. I did not care much, and they fell gradually. However, the neighboring tooth also developed a small cavity which I noticed five days back, and I am afraid that my whole tooth will decay. I have taken a painkiller for that. What are...  Read Full »


Dr. Muzaffer Hussain Parray

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. If the cavity is painless or sensitive only at the time of hot or cold fluids or even during taking much sweet foods, it can be treated simply with filling (dental restoration). On the other hand, if there is continuou...  Read Full »

I need home remedies to cure my decayed incisor. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor,I have had dental caries in my first two upper incisors. One incisor was replaced with a new tooth.Please suggest some home remedies.  Read Full »


Dr. Priyanga. K

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Since you have been treated for one incisor decay, you very well know about the treatment procedures. If you have episodes of pain I strongly recommend visiting your dentist and undergoing the same root canal procedure if it involves the pulp. For your molars, need you...  Read Full »

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