Tooth decay is often caused by too much sugary food and drink, and not cleaning teeth regularly
See a dentist as soon as possible if you think you or your child has it
It may not cause symptoms at first, but can worsen into a hole (cavity) in the tooth
Signs include toothache, sensitivity, and white, brown or black spots
It can lead to a painful dental abscess if left untreated
About Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is often caused by having too much sugary food and drink, and not cleaning your teeth and gums regularly. See a dentist as soon as possible if you think you or your child may have it.
Symptoms
Tooth decay may not cause any symptoms at first, but if it worsens it can lead to a hole forming in the tooth (a dental cavity). If you have a hole in your tooth, you might notice toothache, sharp pain when eating or drinking hot, cold or sweet things (sensitive teeth), or white, brown or black spots on the tooth. Sometimes the tooth or gum can become infected, leading to a painful build-up of pus, known as a dental abscess.
When to See a Dentist
See a dentist if you have problems such as toothache or sharp pain when eating or drinking, or if your gums are painful, swollen, or bleed when brushing. It's also worth having regular dental check-ups even without any problems — see a dentist if it's been more than 2 years since your last check-up (or 1 year if you're under 18).
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Tooth Decay · Treatment
Treatment and Cost
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on how severe the decay is. A dentist can prescribe fluoride treatments, such as mouthwash or varnish, to help reverse early tooth decay. If there's already a hole (cavity) in the tooth, a filling is usually needed. If decay has reached the soft tissue (pulp) in the centre of the tooth, root canal treatment may be required, and in some cases, the affected tooth may need to be removed.
Cost of Dental Treatment
NHS dental treatment is free for some people, including children under 18 (or under 19 if in full-time education), anyone pregnant or who's had a baby in the past 12 months, and people on certain benefits, including Income Support. If you don't qualify for free treatment, you'll usually need to pay.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Tooth Decay · Prevention
Preventing Tooth Decay
? 4 min readReviewed: March 2024
How Tooth Decay Happens
Tooth decay happens when bacteria form a sticky layer called plaque over the teeth, gradually damaging the tooth surface over time. It's common in children, so it's important to help them look after their teeth and gums from an early age.
Keeping Teeth Healthy
Do
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste — spit after brushing, don't rinse
Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
Use sugar-free medicines
Have regular dental check-ups, as advised by your dentist
Don't
Don't have too much sugary food or drink
Don't smoke
Don't regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
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