Ear, nose and throat
Medicines for Tooth decay
Damage to the teeth caused by acid from plaque bacteria, leading to cavities, pain and infection if untreated — largely preventable with good oral hygiene and diet.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Tooth decay?
Tooth decay (dental caries) happens when bacteria in dental plaque turn sugars from food and drink into acid, which gradually dissolves the hard surfaces of the teeth. Early on it may cause no symptoms, but as it progresses it can cause toothache, sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things, visible holes (cavities), staining, and — if it reaches the inner tooth — infection and abscesses.
- How it is treated: Prevention is the priority: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (including last thing at night), cleaning between the teeth, cutting down on the amount and frequency of sugary food and drink, and having regular dental check-ups so problems are caught early.
- Self-care: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (spit, don't rinse), clean between teeth daily, reduce how often you have sugary food and drink, and attend regular dental check-ups.
- When to seek help: See a dentist for toothache, tooth sensitivity, or visible holes or staining, and attend regular check-ups.
What it is
Tooth decay (dental caries) happens when bacteria in dental plaque turn sugars from food and drink into acid, which gradually dissolves the hard surfaces of the teeth. Early on it may cause no symptoms, but as it progresses it can cause toothache, sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet things, visible holes (cavities), staining, and — if it reaches the inner tooth — infection and abscesses. It is one of the most common health problems and affects both children and adults. The main risk factors are frequent sugary food and drink, poor tooth-brushing, and not enough fluoride. The good news is that it is largely preventable, and early decay can sometimes be halted.
How it is treated
Prevention is the priority: brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (including last thing at night), cleaning between the teeth, cutting down on the amount and frequency of sugary food and drink, and having regular dental check-ups so problems are caught early. When decay has caused a cavity, a dentist treats it — for example with a filling — and more advanced decay may need a crown, root canal treatment, or removal of the tooth. Early decay that has not yet formed a cavity can sometimes be reversed or halted with fluoride and improved oral care. Fluoride (in toothpaste and, in some areas, water) strengthens teeth against decay.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Tooth decay
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste (spit, don't rinse), clean between teeth daily, reduce how often you have sugary food and drink, and attend regular dental check-ups. For children, supervise brushing and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a dentist for toothache, tooth sensitivity, or visible holes or staining, and attend regular check-ups. Seek prompt dental care for a toothache that is severe, keeps you awake, or comes with facial swelling.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Tooth decay: frequently asked questions
How can I prevent tooth decay?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (especially at night, and spit rather than rinse), clean between teeth, cut down on the frequency of sugary food and drink, and have regular dental check-ups.
Can early tooth decay be reversed?
Very early decay, before a cavity forms, can sometimes be halted or reversed with fluoride and better oral care. Once a cavity has formed, it needs a dentist to treat it, usually with a filling.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tooth decay
- NICE — Oral health guidance
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