Dental Decay Explained: Causes, Signs, Treatment and How to Prevent Tooth Cavities

Dental Decay Explained: Causes, Signs, Treatment and How to Prevent Tooth Cavities

Post by : Esti Mayans GDC No. 6529 | 10 August 2020

Dental decay, also known as tooth decay or dental caries, is one of the most common oral health issues affecting people of all ages. It occurs when the hard outer surfaces of your teeth, the enamel and dentine, are gradually broken down by acids produced by plaque bacteria.

These acids form every time you consume sugary or starchy food and drinks, leading to softening of the tooth structure. Over time, this can result in a cavity, a permanent hole in the tooth, which may require a filling or more advanced tooth decay treatment if not caught early.

What Causes Dental Decay?

The primary causes of dental decay stem from poor oral hygiene, a high-sugar diet, and irregular dental check-ups. When sugar remains on the teeth, bacteria in the mouth feed on it and produce acid as a by-product. This acid attack can last for up to 30 minutes after eating, weakening the tooth structure each time. If this cycle continues unchecked, it leads to irreversible damage to the enamel and dentine, causing cavities and, in severe cases, infection or tooth loss.

Frequent snacking, inadequate brushing and flossing, dry mouth (which limits saliva’s natural protective effects), and acidic drinks can all speed up this process. That’s why understanding how to prevent dental caries is essential for protecting your teeth.

What Is Plaque and Why Is It Harmful?

Plaque is a soft, colourless, and sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and gums. If not removed daily through effective dental hygiene, plaque builds up and starts to produce acids after you eat, particularly if you consume sugary or starchy foods. Over time, this acid damages the tooth surface, causing plaque and tooth decay to develop.

Plaque can also harden into tartar (or calculus), which cannot be removed by brushing alone and requires professional dental plaque removal. Left untreated, plaque leads not only to tooth decay but also to gum disease, bad breath, and a higher risk of more serious oral health problems.

What Is Tooth Enamel?

Tooth enamel is the strong, protective outer layer of each tooth, and it’s the hardest substance in the human body. Despite its strength, enamel has one critical vulnerability: it cannot regenerate once it’s been worn away or damaged. This is why dental decay is so serious; once enamel begins to erode, the rest of the tooth becomes increasingly susceptible to damage.

Enamel serves as the first line of defence against plaque acids, food particles, and extreme temperatures. Since it doesn’t contain any nerves or blood vessels, it’s not sensitive to pain. However, once acid breaks through the enamel, the underlying layers, which are far more sensitive, become exposed, leading to discomfort or a toothache. Maintaining healthy enamel is essential in any effective dental hygiene routine.

What Is Dentine?

Dentine is the layer of the tooth found directly beneath the enamel. It makes up the majority of the tooth’s structure and plays a vital role in supporting the enamel while protecting the inner pulp.

Unlike enamel, dentine contains microscopic tubules that transmit sensations like heat, cold, and pressure directly to the nerves inside the tooth. This is why tooth sensitivity often starts when enamel erosion exposes the dentine. At this stage, signs of dental decay like sensitivity and mild pain may begin to surface, making early dental cavity treatment crucial to prevent further damage.

What Is the Pulp?

At the very centre of each tooth lies the pulp, a soft tissue that houses the tooth’s nerves and blood supply. This is the vital core that keeps the tooth alive and responsive. When decay is left untreated and penetrates both the enamel and dentine, bacteria can reach the pulp, potentially causing severe pain, infection, and even abscesses.

Once decay reaches the pulp, more invasive procedures such as root canal therapy may be necessary to save the tooth. That’s why early intervention through good oral hygiene, regular check-ups, and timely tooth decay treatment is key to protecting not just the outer layers of your teeth, but their very foundation.

The Decay Process Explained

To better understand what dental decay is, it’s helpful to look at how acid attacks develop and why some teeth decay faster than others. When you consume sugar or starchy foods, the bacteria in dental plaque feed on it and release acid. This acid weakens the enamel for about an hour after eating. Over time, repeated attacks can break through to the dentine, causing discomfort or visible holes.

If the cycle continues without dental plaque removal, the damage reaches the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels are housed. At this stage, symptoms become more severe, and dental cavity treatment such as fillings or root canals becomes necessary.

Even so-called “healthy foods” like dried fruit, fruit juices, or cereals can fuel this cycle if teeth aren’t cleaned properly. Learning how to prevent dental caries means understanding how these attacks work, and how to interrupt them with brushing, flossing, and smart eating habits.

What Are the Early Signs of Dental Decay?

In the early stages of dental decay, you might not notice any symptoms at all. This is why regular dental check-ups are vital; your dentist can often detect signs of dental decay using visual examination or X-rays before any pain or discomfort begins.
As decay progresses, you may experience:

• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks.
• Discomfort when biting or chewing.
• Visible pits or holes in the tooth.
• Discolouration (brown or black spots).
• Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth.

By the time you feel pain, the decay may have already reached the dentine or even the pulp, meaning you may require dental cavity treatment such as a filling, inlay, or even root canal therapy. Early detection makes treatment simpler, quicker, and far less invasive.

Which Areas of the Teeth Are Most Prone to Decay?

Some parts of the teeth are more vulnerable to decay than others, especially areas where dental plaque removal is more difficult. These include:

• The biting surfaces of the molars and premolars: These have deep grooves (fissures) where food particles and plaque can accumulate.
• In between the teeth: These tight spaces are hard to clean with brushing alone and require daily flossing.
• Along the gumline: Plaque build-up here can lead to both decay and gum disease if not properly cleaned.
• Around existing fillings or dental work: These areas may harbour bacteria if the margins are not perfectly sealed.

Understanding how to prevent dental caries involves paying special attention to these high-risk zones during your brushing and flossing routine. Using fluoride toothpaste and seeing your hygienist for regular cleanings can help strengthen enamel and stop plaque from turning into a problem.

Treating and Preventing Dental Decay

When it comes to tooth decay treatment, early detection is key. If the decay is caught in time, your dentist will remove the affected portion of the tooth and restore it using a filling. This helps seal the cavity and prevent further progression. However, in more advanced cases where the decay reaches the pulp, the soft centre of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, a root canal may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth with a filling or dental crown replacement to restore its structure.

In severe cases where the damage is too extensive to repair, the only option may be a tooth extraction. This is why regular dental visits are crucial to catch signs of decay before they escalate.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Prevention is always better than a cure. Knowing how to prevent dental caries starts with excellent daily oral care. Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste. Children under three should use a paste with at least 1000ppm fluoride, while everyone over three should opt for one with 1350–1500ppm.

Interdental brushes, floss, or dental tape should also be part of your routine to clean between teeth, where decay often begins. These tools help with dental plaque removal, something a regular toothbrush can’t always achieve.

Beyond brushing and flossing, your dentist and dental hygienist play a vital role in prevention. They’ll highlight any areas you’re missing during cleaning, provide tailored dental hygiene tips, and professionally remove plaque and tartar that can’t be removed at home.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Dental Health

Understanding the causes and signs of dental decay is the first step to protecting your smile. Whether you’re managing early signs of plaque buildup or dealing with a cavity that needs professional care, don’t wait until it becomes painful or advanced.

A combination of good brushing habits, regular dental visits, and smart lifestyle choices can dramatically reduce your risk. With the right tooth decay treatment and dental hygiene routine, you can maintain healthy enamel and dentine and prevent problems before they start.

If you’re experiencing any signs of decay or are due for a check-up, book an appointment with Surbiton Dental today. Contact us at 02083994311 or send us an email at hello@surbitondental.co.uk. Prevention is easier than cure, and your smile is worth protecting.

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