
Cavities and tooth decay - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Nov 30, 2023 · Cavities are areas in the hard surface of your teeth that are damaged. These areas of tooth decay become tiny openings or holes that can lead to a serious toothache, infection and tooth …
Periodontitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Feb 24, 2023 · Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue around teeth. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that …
Cavities and tooth decay - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
Nov 30, 2023 · Your dentist usually can detect tooth decay by: Asking about tooth pain and sensitivity. Looking around inside your mouth and at your teeth. Probing your teeth with dental instruments to …
Oral health: A window to your overall health - Mayo Clinic
Mar 14, 2024 · To protect your oral health, take care of your mouth every day. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a brush with soft bristles and fluoride toothpaste. Brush …
Gingivitis - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Nov 16, 2023 · The most common cause of gingivitis is not keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Good oral health habits, such as brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily and getting …
Tooth abscess - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic
Jun 29, 2022 · Take good care of your teeth to avoid tooth decay: Drink water that contains fluoride. Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use dental floss or a …
Impacted wisdom teeth - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Feb 1, 2024 · Impacted wisdom teeth that cause pain or other dental problems usually are taken out. Some dentists and oral surgeons also recommend taking out impacted wisdom teeth that don't cause …
Bad breath - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Dec 21, 2023 · Certain foods, health conditions and habits are among the causes of bad breath. In many cases, you can make bad breath better by keeping your mouth and teeth clean. If you can't solve …
Wisdom tooth removal - Mayo Clinic
Apr 5, 2024 · Wisdom teeth are the last of your teeth to appear (erupt) in the mouth. Sometimes a wisdom tooth becomes stuck below the surface of your gums and grows at an odd angle, possibly …
Brushing your way to better health: How oral and dental health go ...
Nov 11, 2025 · We all want a bright set of pearly whites, but teeth are so much more than meets the eye. Your mouth and teeth are also gatekeepers of your body against bacteria and pathogens, …