Prevention of tooth decay includes regular brushing of the teeth, a diet low in sugar, and small amounts of fluoride.[3][6] Many recommend brushing twice a day and flossing between the teeth once a day.[1][6] Fluoride may be from water, salt, or toothpaste, among other sources.[3] Treating dental caries in the mother may reduce the risk in her children by reducing the numbers of some bacteria that may spread in them.[6] Screening can lead to early detection.[1] Depending on the extent of the destruction (caries), different treatments may be used to restore the tooth to proper function or the tooth may be removed.[1] There is no known way to grow large amounts of teeth.[8] Treatment availability is often poor in the developing world.[3] Paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen can be taken for pain.[1]
Worldwide, about 2.3 billion people (32% of the population) have cavities in their permanent teeth.[9] The World Health Organization estimates that almost all adults experience tooth decay at some time.[3] As for baby teeth, it affects about 620 million people, or 9% of the population. [10] They have become more common in both children and adults in recent years.[11] This disease is most common in the developed world due to the increased consumption of simple sugar and less common in the developing world.[1]
Decay is Latin for “rotten”.[4]
