Unbiased oral health information

Diagnoses

Caries

Common related diagnoses

It is possible that this diagnosis is part of a larger problem. Treating this condition may not treat the underlying cause. This condition may also lead to other problems. Here are some possible related diagnoses to investigate and talk to your dentist about.

There are other bacterial illnesses of the mouth, other conditions that can have the appearance of dental caries, and other conditions that may increase the likelihood a patient will get cavities. "Recurrent caries" is decay that occurs under an existing tooth restoration (filling, etc.). The biologic processes that cause it, and the treatment for it are the same as for new cavities, except recurrent caries means more of an already-restored tooth is being destroyed, and fixing the tooth may be more involved. Only a dentist can properly diagnose these conditions. Sometimes plaque and bacteria get into teeth via poorly contoured dental restorations, failing restorations, or cracked teeth, leading to tooth decay. Chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) can also predispose a person to dental caries.

More information on dental diagnoses

Chemical erosion
Dental diagnosis image: Dental erosion, chemical acid, enamel dissolution
Tooth enamel is over 90% mineral, which dissolves in acid. Any acid can dissolve tooth enamel, including those found in food and drink...
Cracked teeth
Dental diagnosis image: Cracked tooth
Cracks in teeth range from the obvious, visible fractures to less obvious (frequently invisible) microscopic fractures. Cracks can occur in the crown of the tooth...
Deep pits / fissures in teeth
Dental diagnosis image: Deep pits and fissures, molar, cavities
Deep pits and fissures in teeth are of concern because food, bacterial plaque, and acids get into them, but toothbrush bristles may not. This frequently results in tooth decay...
Enamel demineralization
Dental diagnosis image: Enamel demineralization, white spot lesions, meth mouth
Enamel demineralization represents a dissolution of the surface enamel—the glassy outer shell of the tooth. It is the earliest form of tooth decay...
Failing restorations
Dental diagnosis image: Failing dental restoration, cracked filling
Fillings, crowns, and other types of dental restorations which are nearing the end of their service life are collectively referred to as "failing restorations." Restorations can fail in many ways...
Gingivitis
Dental diagnosis image: Gingivitis, early gum disease
Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of the gingiva (commonly called "gums"), with no breakdown of the attachment fibers connecting them to the teeth and underlying bone...
Periodontitis
Dental diagnosis image: Periodontal disease, systemic health
Untreated gingivitis can progress to the point where the gingival attachment fibers to tooth and bone are lost; and beyond that to the point where bone destruction results. This bacterial illness is called periodontal disease, and is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults...
Poor oral hygiene
Dental diagnosis image: Poor oral hygiene
Failure to remove food debris and bacterial plaque from the teeth and other oral structures leads to gingivitis, tooth decay, and eventually periodontal disease and tooth loss...
Poorly contoured dental restorations
Dental diagnosis image: Periodontal
Dental restorations (fillings, inlays, crowns, etc.) should be made to blend smoothly with the contours of the tooth being restored. Ideally...
Recurrent caries
Dental diagnosis image: Recurrent caries
Recurrent caries is tooth decay that occurs under an existing filling or other dental restoration. It may be caused by...
Xerostomia
Dental diagnosis image: Xerostomia, dry mouth
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a condition caused by decreased salivary flow. It is characterized by...