Tooth Decay vs. Inflammation: Understanding What's Happening to Your Teeth

Decaying teeth are not subject to inflammation, which is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain. Instead, decaying teeth experience a gradual demineralization and bacterial invasion of the tooth structure, leading to the formation of cavities.

Inflammation is commonly associated with soft tissue injuries or infections in the gums and surrounding structures, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, but it is not a characteristic of tooth decay or dental cavities.