Tooth decay is one of the most common problems we see, but much of it can be prevented. Here is a plain-English guide.

How decay happens

Bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acid. Each time you eat or drink something sugary, your teeth face an acid attack that can last for some time afterwards. Saliva and fluoride help repair early damage. When attacks happen too often, the enamel loses minerals faster than it can recover, and a cavity forms.

Frequency matters

How often you have sugar matters as much as how much. Sipping a sweet coffee through the morning, or grazing on snacks, gives teeth less time to recover than having the same amount with a meal.

Early signs

• Chalky white or brown spots on the teeth.
• Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food and drinks.
• Food catching in a particular spot.

Early decay often has no symptoms at all, which is why regular examinations and X-rays where needed are useful.

Treatment options

• Very early lesions: fluoride varnish and better home care may stop them progressing.
• Cavities: a filling restores the tooth after the decay is removed.
• Larger damage: an inlay, onlay or crown may be needed.
• Decay reaching the nerve: root canal treatment or, in some cases, extraction.

Prevention checklist

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and spit, don’t rinse.
• Clean between teeth every day.
• Keep sugary food and drinks to mealtimes.
• Attend regular check-ups and hygiene visits.

Contact Dental Wellness Finchley Road

Dental Wellness Finchley Road, 106 Finchley Rd, South Hampstead, London NW3 5JJ.

Call 020 3813 3848, message us on WhatsApp (07522 141064), email smile@dentalwellnessfinchleyroad.co.uk or book online.