Tooth decay caused by acid-producing bacteria in plaque — reversible when caught early, painful and costly when ignored.
Dental caries — tooth decay — begins when bacteria in plaque produce acid that gradually dissolves the hard outer layer of the tooth. Caught early, at the stage of a small white or brown spot, decay can sometimes be halted or even reversed; left alone, it progresses into a cavity that requires a filling, and eventually can reach the nerve and require root canal treatment or extraction.
The main driver is frequent exposure to sugars and starches, which feed the bacteria that produce the acid attacking tooth enamel. How often you eat sugary foods matters more than the total amount — frequent snacking gives bacteria repeated opportunities to produce acid throughout the day.
Early decay can sometimes be managed with fluoride treatment and improved oral hygiene, while an established cavity needs a filling to remove the decayed portion and restore the tooth's shape and function. Regular check-ups are how we catch caries at the earliest, most easily treated stage.
See our dentist if: you notice sensitivity or a visible hole — see our dental services page for filling and check-up details.
