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.

My daughter has an infected tooth with pain. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor,My four year old daughter got a cavity filled a month back. But now, she is complaining that the same tooth is paining, and there is a big swelling around the infected tooth. So, we went to the dentist, who gave her antibiotics for seven days. He wants to extract the infected tooth, and...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. At four years, we never advise getting the tooth extracted. If the tooth is infected, we perform a procedure called as pulpectomy. Here we remove the infected portion of the pulp, and replace it with a filling or place a small crown to save the tooth until the patien...  Read Full »

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 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 »

Please suggest medication to relieve severe pain in the lower front teeth.

Query: Hello doctor, My front lower teeth have become extremely sensitive and I have very severe pain in them. The gums are not hurting but the tooth itself is hurting. How to relieve the pain?  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Take a painkiller like Dolo 650 mg or Acenext-P (Aceclofenac and Paracetamol) three times a day. Use warm salt water gargle twice a day for a week. Send a picture of the area if possible.  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 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 »

Will a cavity of a tooth that hits the nerve hurt worse than a necrotic tooth?

Query: Hello doctor, Will a cavity tooth that hits the nerve hurt worse than a necrotic tooth? I have two teeth that are bothering me but are next to each other. I am getting one pulled, but I am not sure on 100 % on which one is bothering me. I think it is the cavity that has hit the nerve. Kindly advice...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Necrotic roots of the tooth cause pain only if the pus formation has increased the pressure inside. The tooth which has a large cavity but nerves are vital is very painful since nerves are stimulated at the slightest touch of fluids etc. You need to ask for root cana...  Read Full »

Why do I sensitivity to hot and cold at the extracted site?

Query: Hi doctor, Before three weeks back, I have removed one of my teeth as it was destroyed due to cavity and I had some infection over it. After that, I started to have a cold sensitivity on that spot. I started to have a lot of pain over it. After that cold sensitivity has turned to heat sensitivity t...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Sensitivity to cold or hot substances occurs when you have a deep cavity or severe gum recession with exposed roots on any of the teeth. You need to consult your dentist again and confirm that you do not have a cavity on the adjacent tooth where you have a sensitivity o...  Read Full »

How can I get rid of something that is stuck in between my teeth?

Query: Hi doctor, I have a doubt regarding some general facts. Please explain the following elaborately. Is it fine to pluck out a gray hair? What happens when something gets stuck in between teeth for several days? What is the effect of teeth chatter? What is the growling of the stomach? When does the ear...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. When we pluck out a hair, we feel a slight sharp pain at that point of time. The hair usually breaks along with its follicle, thus that space remains hairless in the future. But if the hair breaks in between with its follicle intact, then the hair will regrow. When food...  Read Full »

I have been experiencing tooth pain from a decayed tooth and bleeding gums while brushing. Why?

Query: Hello doctor, I am a middle-aged woman, currently 48 years old. I have encountered dental issues in the form of two decayed teeth located in the lower left back region of my mouth. Additionally, I have observed the presence of white deposits on my teeth. As a diabetic patient, I am taking prescribed...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and can understand your concern. The following steps can be taken: To preserve the decayed tooth, it is advisable to undergo a root canal treatment. This procedure can help save the tooth from further damage. Following the treatment, it is recomme...  Read Full »

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