Dental caries

Alternative names:

cavities, tooth; dental cavities; tooth decay

Symptoms:

• toothache- particularly after sweet or hot or cold foods or drinks
• visible pits or holes in the teeth

Signs and tests:

An examination of the teeth reveals dental caries (cavities). Most dental caries are discovered in the early stages during routine checkups. The surface of the tooth may be soft when probed with a sharp instrument. Pain may not be present until the advanced stages of tooth decay. Dental X-rays may show some cavities before they are visible to the eye.