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Tooth Decay Discharge Instructions, Adult


About this topic


Tooth decay is very common. Everyone has germs in the mouth. After you eat, you have food pieces left on your teeth. The germs combine with the food and make acid. The acid can eat away at the protective enamel of the tooth and cause tooth decay. You can have decay on the tooth surface or deep into the tooth. Because it takes time for the acid to break through the enamel, you may not notice any signs. If you do, it is because your tooth is starting to decay. ‚  


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What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your dentist what you need to do at home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the dentist says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Talk to your dentist about when it is safe for you to start eating. Ask if there are foods you should avoid.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your dentist may ask you to make visits to the office 1 or 2 times each year to get your teeth checked and cleaned. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

Will physical activity be limited?


Your physical activity will not be limited. ‚  

What problems could happen?


If the tooth decay is not fixed you could have: ‚  
  • Pain
  • Infection
  • Tooth loss

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Brush your teeth after every meal or at least 2 times a day. Do not rush when you brush and spend 2 full minutes cleaning all of your teeth. Use a toothpaste with fluoride.
  • Use dental floss to clean between your teeth at least every day.
  • Try to stay away from foods and drinks that are high in sugar and starch, such as chocolate, sweets, cakes, and fizzy drinks that have sugar.
  • See your dentist for regular cleaning and checkups.

When do I need to call the doctor?


Tooth pain that is getting worse ‚  

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you how often I should brush and floss my teeth.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have more tooth pain.

Where can I learn more?


American Dental Association ‚  
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/decay.aspx ‚  
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/c/cavities.aspx ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dental-decay/Pages/Complications.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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