Myth: There's a worm inside a decayed tooth

The tooth worm is one of humanity's oldest medical myths, ancient texts across cultures blamed a burrowing creature for toothache.

A decayed tooth looks eaten. The hole, the dark tunnel, the throbbing, a worm is a vivid explanation, and vivid explanations travel well through generations.

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria, not worms. Bacteria produce acid that dissolves enamel, and the “tunnel” is simply dissolved tooth structure. Nothing lives in there, but the damage is real and progressive.

Treat decay like the chemistry it is. Brush with fluoride, floss, limit acid exposure, and have holes examined early, small fillings beat big ones.

Wondering what this means for your teeth? Book a 15-minute consultation.