Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Understanding Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. It occurs when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel, creating holes called cavities. Left untreated, decay can spread deeper into the tooth, causing pain, infection, and eventually tooth loss.

Common Causes

• Bacteria feeding on sugars and starches in your diet
• Poor brushing and flossing habits
• Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks
• Dry mouth (saliva helps wash away bacteria)
• Worn fillings or dental restorations
• Receding gums exposing tooth roots
• Lack of fluoride in water or toothpaste

When to See a Dentist

Don't wait for pain — cavities often don't hurt until they're advanced. Regular check-ups every 6 months catch decay early when it's easier and less expensive to treat. If you notice dark spots, holes, or sensitivity in a tooth, schedule an appointment promptly.

How We Treat Cavities

Small cavities are treated with tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Larger areas of decay may require a crown. If decay reaches the nerve, root canal therapy can save the tooth. We focus on early detection and prevention to help you avoid more extensive treatment.

Preventing Further Decay

Prevention is always more effective and affordable than treatment. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes, and floss once daily to clean between teeth where your brush cannot reach. Limit sugary and starchy snacks between meals — every time you eat, bacteria produce acids that attack your enamel for up to 30 minutes. Drinking water after meals helps wash away food particles and neutralize acids. Consider using a fluoride mouthwash for additional protection, especially if you are prone to cavities. Professional fluoride treatments at Redwater Dental Clinic provide a concentrated dose that strengthens enamel and can even reverse early-stage decay before a cavity forms. For children, dental sealants provide a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of back teeth where decay most often starts. The most important preventive measure is keeping your regular six-month checkup appointments, which allow us to catch decay in its earliest stages.

Stages of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay progresses through distinct stages, and understanding them helps illustrate why early treatment matters. In stage one, acids begin to demineralize the enamel surface — at this point, the process can still be reversed with fluoride and improved hygiene. Stage two occurs when enamel breaks down and a visible cavity forms, requiring a composite filling. In stage three, decay penetrates through the enamel into the softer dentin layer underneath, spreading more rapidly and often causing sensitivity. Stage four involves the tooth pulp — the innermost layer containing nerves and blood vessels — becoming infected, causing severe tooth pain and requiring root canal therapy. In the final stage, an abscess forms at the root tip as infection spreads beyond the tooth, which may necessitate extraction. At Redwater Dental Clinic, our goal is to detect decay in its earliest stages and prevent it from ever reaching the point of pain or infection. Call 780-942-4691 to schedule your checkup.