Question 1

if you have tooth decay do you also have cavities?

Accepted Answer

Decay: Cavities/decay are the same. Another name is caries.

Question 2

whats the difference between having tooth decay and a cavity?

Accepted Answer

None really: A cavity or caries is just tooth decay that has penetrated the hard outer enamel layer of your tooth.

Question 3

i've never had a cavity (or more properly, tooth decay). what should i do?

Accepted Answer

Regarding what ?: If you are asking what you should do if you don't have tooth decay, then i would suggest you continue whatever good habits that you've grown accustomed to so that you can maintain that terrific smile.

Question 4

is there a difference between tooth decay and a cavity? does tooth decay precede a cavity, or are they considered the same thing?

Accepted Answer

Dr. : Dr. Zweig is correct.  Decay and cavity are just dummied down terms to the disease called  dental caries.  It happens when the acids produced by the bacteria which lives in our mouths eat away at our tooth structure and functionally dissolve it.

Question 5

can it be that a few major cavities and tooth decay cause exhaustion..?

Accepted Answer

It can....: It can if you are experiencing a dental abscess or infection. Remember our dental health is uniquely intertwined with our general health. An infection your mouth will affect your entire body. I would advise getting dental care as soon as possible.

Question 6

i have like this blackness in my mollar and when ever i chew i get food in it an it hurts bad is it a cavity or tooth decay or what.?

Accepted Answer

Probably: Decay canal look black, brown, or white. With a hole in your tooth that traps food and causes pain, it sounds like advanced decay.
Get to a dentist asap.

Question 7

would i get tooth decay or cavities if i don't brush my teeth?

Accepted Answer

Yes: And periodontal (gum) disease as well over time. I wonder what you breath smells like.

Question 8

i had 2 cavity fillings, had a minor tooth decay. now i'm seeing decay in another 2 teeth. why is it happening so fast and at so small age.

Accepted Answer

2 issues: 1. there is a need to floss and brush well twice daily to remove plaque. 2.  the combination of sugar from processed foods in the presence of acid from soda constitutes a perfect medium for tooth decay.

Question 9

why do aboriginals have such great teeth, but westerners get cavities and tooth decay? many aboriginals don't even use toothpaste just water.

Accepted Answer

Fact checking: Not sure where you got your facts from to make such a statement. A google search will give you plenty to read. Here's just one page that disputes your statement:
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/other-health-conditions/oral/plain-language/pl-our-review

Question 10

do i really need to get my teeth cleaned every six months? i've read that there's not any proof it really helps me avoid cavities or tooth decay.

Accepted Answer

First : First of all cavities and tooth decay are the same thing.  Having said that, if you go twice per year and you do get a cavity it will be caught much earlier and be able to be fixed more afford-ably without needing to do a root canal.

What going and having your teeth twice per year really helps is in the prevention of periodontal (gum) disease which is the leading cause of tooth loss.  It is now known that patients that have periodontal disease have a much higher risk of some systemic diseases, such as heart disease (approximately 50% increase), stroke, and several forms of cancer.

So bottom line, if you have your teeth cleaned twice a year you will probably live longer by preventing those systemic diseases.

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Doctor answers about:

Tooth decay vs cavity

A member asked:

If you have tooth decay do you also have cavities?

A member asked:

Whats the difference between having tooth decay and a cavity?

A member asked:

I've never had a cavity (or more properly, tooth decay). what should i do?

A member asked:

Is there a difference between tooth decay and a cavity? does tooth decay precede a cavity, or are they considered the same thing?

A member asked:

Can it be that a few major cavities and tooth decay cause exhaustion..?

A member asked:

I have like this blackness in my mollar and when ever i chew i get food in it an it hurts bad is it a cavity or tooth decay or what.?

A member asked:

Would i get tooth decay or cavities if i don't brush my teeth?

A member asked:

I had 2 cavity fillings, had a minor tooth decay. now i'm seeing decay in another 2 teeth. why is it happening so fast and at so small age.

A member asked:

Why do aboriginals have such great teeth, but westerners get cavities and tooth decay? many aboriginals don't even use toothpaste just water.

A member asked:

Do i really need to get my teeth cleaned every six months? i've read that there's not any proof it really helps me avoid cavities or tooth decay.

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