It’s easy to think of tooth decay as something that only happens to kids who eat too much candy, but the truth is, it doesn’t care how old you are. Cavities are the most common oral health issue in the world, and they can sneak up on you even if you brush regularly. At Complete Health Dentistry, we see how even the smallest spots of decay can lead to big problems if ignored. The good news? Tooth decay is mostly preventable if you know what to look for and act early.

Let’s take a closer look at how decay works, what puts your teeth at risk, and the simple steps you can take to protect your smile.

What exactly causes tooth decay?

Tooth decay starts with bacteria and more specifically, with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. This film constantly forms on your teeth, especially after you eat. When you consume foods or drinks that contain sugar or starch, the bacteria in plaque feast on them, producing acids in the process.

These acids start dissolving the minerals in your enamel (the hard outer shell of your teeth). Over time, if the acid attacks continue unchecked, they create tiny holes in the enamel. That’s your first stage of decay.

If nothing is done, these holes get deeper, reaching the softer inner layer called dentin, and eventually the innermost layer, the pulp, where nerves and blood vessels live. By then, what started as a small, invisible issue may now hurt, and the treatment will likely be more complex.

Who is most at risk for tooth decay?

While everyone can get cavities, some people are more prone to decay than others. These risk factors include:

• Dry mouth – Saliva helps wash away food and neutralize acids. If your mouth feels dry often, you’re at greater risk.
• Frequent snacking – Eating throughout the day, especially sugary or starchy foods, fuels constant acid attacks.
• Poor brushing/flossing habits – If you’re not cleaning all surfaces of your teeth regularly, plaque builds up fast.
• Worn fillings or dental work – Older dental work can trap bacteria if it starts to break down.
• Deep grooves in teeth – Some people naturally have molars with deep crevices that are harder to clean.
• Age and medical conditions – Certain medications or conditions can affect your mouth’s ability to defend itself.

Knowing your risk helps us create a personalized prevention plan, because brushing and flossing are just part of the picture.

What does early tooth decay feel like?

The tricky part about cavities is that they don’t always hurt. In fact, early decay may have no symptoms at all. You might feel:

• Sensitivity to sweets, cold, or hot drinks
• A mild ache when you bite down
• A visible dark spot or hole
• Occasional bad breath or an unpleasant taste

Unfortunately, by the time a cavity hurts, it’s often deeper than you'd like. That’s why regular dental visits matter, so we can catch issues before they turn into emergencies.

How do dentists treat cavities?

Catching decay early is key. If we find a small cavity, it can usually be fixed with a tooth-colored filling. For deeper decay, we may need to use:

• Inlays or onlays – For larger areas that a simple filling can’t handle
• Crowns – If much of the tooth is compromised
• Root canals – If decay reaches the pulp (don’t worry, we make them as comfortable as possible)

If the decay is too advanced and the tooth can’t be saved, an extraction may be necessary, but that’s a last resort.

The takeaway? The earlier we intervene, the easier (and more affordable) your treatment will be.

How can I prevent cavities from forming?

You already know the basics, brush twice a day, floss daily, and eat fewer sweets. But here are a few more expert-level tips from our team at Complete Health Dentistry:

• Use fluoride toothpaste – It helps remineralize enamel.
• Drink water often – Especially if you’re prone to dry mouth.
• Chew sugar-free gum – It boosts saliva flow between meals.
• Avoid grazing – Give your teeth a break between meals to reduce acid attacks.
• Get regular cleanings and exams – Professional cleanings remove plaque in hard-to-reach areas and spot issues early.
• Sealants for kids and teens – These protective coatings on molars can prevent decay before it starts.

What happens if tooth decay goes untreated?

Tooth decay doesn’t just stop on its own. If ignored, it keeps spreading deeper into the tooth and eventually to the root. This can lead to:

• Severe toothache
• Infection and swelling
• Tooth loss
• Jawbone damage
• Increased treatment costs

And once bacteria reach the pulp, they can cause infections that affect your overall health, not just your mouth.

How can I tell if I need a filling?

Sometimes it’s obvious, such as pain, sensitivity, or visible dark spots. Other times, only a dentist can confirm if decay is starting. If it’s been more than six months since your last visit, or you’ve noticed any changes in your teeth, it’s worth getting checked.

Remember, small cavities are much easier to treat than ones that have been quietly growing for months. You don’t need to wait for pain to take action.

What happens if a child gets a cavity?

Tooth decay doesn’t just affect adult teeth. In fact, kids can get cavities in their baby teeth too, and they matter more than many people think.

Untreated cavities in baby teeth can:

• Lead to infection and pain
• Affect how permanent teeth grow in
• Make eating or speaking more difficult
• Create dental anxiety if painful treatments are needed

That’s why we take pediatric dental care seriously. From gentle cleanings to fluoride treatments and sealants, we help set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What’s the next step?

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, or if something feels off in your mouth, don’t wait. The earlier we catch tooth decay, the easier it is to treat. And if everything looks great? We’ll help you keep it that way.

Schedule your appointment today with Complete Health Dentistry and take the next step toward a healthier, happier smile. Your teeth deserve it. So do you.