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.

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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.

Is GA necessary for dental procedures on a 2.6-year-old?

Query: Hi doctor, My son is 2.6 years old. His four front teeth look black now. The enamel did not form in the front teeth when it erupted. Also, the molars have very deep cavity as can be seen in the image and there are other small cavities too. His teeth were crooked and got decayed so fast. The pedodont...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. There is no need for such procedure at this age. The front four teeth will usually never cause any pain to the child, but it has to remain there to maintain the space till the permanent teeth come in its space. So, leave the front four teeth as it is. The molar tee...  Read Full »

I am terrified of dentists and needles, but I have to get some fillings done. What to do?

Query: Hi doctor, I am terrified of dentists and needles. My front tooth is decaying. Please check the photo. There is a hole in the back and black marks on the front. Also, I need fillings to other teeth. Kindly advise me.  Read Full »


Dr. Geethanjali. S. S

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. First of all, I would like to tell you that there is nothing to be fearful about dentists. You will be given 100% care during your every visit. You have just to understand the fact that it is your oral problem, which is being corrected and co-operate for that. You will ...  Read Full »

I have been suffering from throbbing tooth ache and pain in my gums. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor,I have been suffering from throbbing tooth ache and pain in my gums. Please help.Thanks.  Read Full »


Dr. Geethanjali. S. S

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. I have gone through your reports (attachments are hidden to protect the patient's identity), The second premolar on your left upper back tooth region seems severely decayed. As you can see in the picture, the brown spot in the tooth is the de...  Read Full »

I want to prevent periodontal diseases. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor, I am looking to improve my oral hygiene and prevent periodontal disease. Can you provide insights on the effectiveness of using mouthwash as part of a dental care routine? Additionally, are there specific leafy vegetables or dietary recommendations that contribute to better oral health, a...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your first query consult is on us! Mouthwashes are supplementary to effective brushing techniques and habits. They help in reducing the count of bacterial colonies inside the mouth, thus reducing plaque formation, preventing decay of teeth, and removing bad breath. ...  Read Full »

What can be done for tooth decay associated with pain?

Query: Hello doctor, I have tooth decay for the past five weeks and it is causing a lot of pain. Please help.  Read Full »


Dr. Tooba Qazi

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your tooth enamel chipped off, exposing dentin and inner layers of the tooth. This might have opened root nerves too and that is why you are having pain. Start taking tablet Brufen 400 mg twice a day for three days. If the pain gets relieved by it, it means there is no...  Read Full »

How can I manage my toothache and swelling?

Query: Hello doctor, I have a toothache, and my mouth is swollen which I can feel it in my face. When I press my mouth, I noticed little pus coming out. Kindly help.  Read Full »


Dr. Soheel Hussain Zargar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is a case of acute alveolar abscess from a tooth infection. Let me check your attachments (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and I will advise and initiate treatment protocol accordingly. I checked your attachments. Your teeth are carious and gross...  Read Full »

I have a small hole in the middle of my tooth. What to do?

Query: Hello doctor, I have a small hole in the middle of my tooth and the top of my tooth. I do not have any other symptoms. The only medication I am taking is a multivitamin. What should I do?  Read Full »


Dr. Honey Nandwani

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As per the explanation, it looks like a tooth decay but does not look deep. So my suggestion is to consult a dentist and get evaluated and if the decay is superficial then filling of the tooth with a tooth-colored filling material will prevent further decaying. Inves...  Read Full »

I have a slight red patch on the gums near a decayed tooth. Is this cancer?

Query: Hi doctor, I am 18 years old. I have not been to the dentist in the last seven years. I have three decayed teeth in my mouth. Right above one of them on the outside of my gum a little red patch popped up and then it started to decay. On the other side, that is, on the inside of the gum right above m...  Read Full »


Dr. Geethanjali. S. S

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. First of all, I would like to advise you not to panic relating it to cancer. I saw the picture you sent me (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is the remnants of your tooth, which is left behind the gums. Your first molar has decayed so much that there ...  Read Full »

How can we prevent tooth decay and say about the toxic things we touch everyday?

Query: Hi doctor, How can we prevent tooth decay? Please explain about the toxic things that we use every day and say a few words regarding healing tonics.  Read Full »


Dr. Mashfika N Alam

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Follow these steps to prevent tooth decay. Brush your teeth twice a day. Floss your teeth after each meal. Avoid eating sugary foods. Avoid having a tartar build up in the teeth. Avoid using artificial teeth whiteners. Take a vitamin-rich diet. The toxic things that we...  Read Full »

I have pain in my decayed tooth. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 28-year-old woman dealing with a decayed tooth. I am experiencing mild pain despite trying different toothpaste and mouthwash. Waking up with toothaches is becoming a concern, and while visiting the dentist is intimidating, I realize I cannot postpone it any longer. Can you sugg...  Read Full »


Dr. Akila. R

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. I suggest you promptly consult a dentist, as the infection could worsen if neglected. To prevent future decay, I suggest the following: Regular brushing twice a day. Make use of a toothpaste with fluoride. Incorpor...  Read Full »

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