How cavities form, and how to stop them before they start

Tooth decay is one of the most common health problems there is, and also one of the most preventable. Left alone, a small cavity can grow into a painful infection that needs a root canal or extraction. Understanding how decay starts makes it much easier to stop.

How a cavity forms

Your mouth is home to bacteria that live in plaque, the sticky film that builds up on your teeth every day. When you eat or drink sugars and starches, these bacteria feed on them and produce acid. The acid draws minerals out of your enamel.

Saliva helps neutralize the acid and repair early damage, but if acid attacks happen too often, or plaque stays on the teeth too long, the enamel weakens. Eventually a hole forms: a cavity. Once decay reaches the softer dentin underneath, it spreads faster, and if it reaches the nerve, it can cause pain and infection.

Signs to watch for

Early decay usually has no symptoms at all, which is why checkups matter. As it progresses, you may notice:

• Sensitivity to sweets, or to hot or cold.
• White, brown or dark spots on a tooth.
• Food catching in the same place.
• Pain when biting, or a toothache. Read what a toothache can mean.

Everyday prevention

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps reverse the earliest stage of decay.
• Clean between your teeth daily. Your toothbrush can’t reach between teeth, where many cavities start.
• Watch how often you snack. Frequent sipping and snacking keeps your teeth under constant acid attack. Keep sweets to mealtimes and choose water between meals.
• Be careful with acidic drinks, such as soda, sports drinks and juice.
• Chew sugar-free gum after meals to boost saliva.

What we do to help

At your routine checkups, we examine each tooth, take digital X-rays when needed to see between teeth, and remove the plaque and tartar that home care misses. If you are prone to cavities, we may recommend extra protection such as professional fluoride treatments or sealants.

When we do find decay, catching it early usually means a small, tooth-colored filling instead of a larger restoration. Learn more about Preventive Dental Care at SmileNY Dental, or contact us to schedule your next checkup.