Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Tooth Decay
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Tooth decay usually does not cause symptoms until you have a cavity or infected tooth. When this occurs, symptoms include:
- Toothache, which is the most common symptom. An infection or irritation of the tooth pulp usually causes the pain.
- Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth.
- White, gray, brown, or black spots on the teeth.
- Loose fillings.
- A broken tooth or a tooth that is sensitive to pressure.
The pain may become worse when you:
- Eat sweets.
- Eat hot or cold foods or drink hot, cold, or acidic liquids, such as citrus drinks.
- Chew food or gum.
- Breathe in cold air.
- Brush your teeth.
Severe tooth decay may cause a pus-filled sac (abscess) to form in the bone at the base of a tooth. Symptoms of abscess include:
- Fever.
- Swollen glands.
- A swollen jaw.
- Deep, throbbing pain.
For more information, see the topic Abscessed Tooth.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 17, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
