Tooth Decay: Causes, Prevention & Treatment

Tooth decay is more than just an inconvenience—it signals that something’s not right in your mouth. Whether you’re dealing with a lingering ache, sensitivity to sweet foods, or have just noticed a dark spot on your tooth, you’re likely facing tooth decay.

It creeps in quietly but can escalate quickly if ignored. And here’s the truth: most cases of tooth decay are preventable.

You need to know what’s causing it, how to stop it, and what to do if it’s already started.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight. Plaque first forms on your teeth as a sticky layer of bacteria that keeps appearing.

If your mouth contains plaque and you consume sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria digest such foods, which makes the plaque release acids. These acids slowly wear away the enamel, the outer protective layer of your teeth.

If left untreated, this decay works deeper, eventually reaching the softer dentine layer and, in severe cases, even the nerve inside your tooth. That’s when discomfort can turn into real pain—and your tooth’s health is at risk.

Here are some common causes that increase your risk:

• Frequent snacking or sipping on sugary drinks.
• Inadequate cleaning of the mouth with regular brushing and flossing.
• A dry mouth is often due to medicines or certain medical conditions.
• Worn dental fillings or broken teeth that trap food.
• Lack of regular dental visits means minor problems go unnoticed until they’re big.

The truth is, life gets busy. You’re juggling work, family, and everything else.

But tooth decay doesn’t care how packed your schedule is. If you’re not protecting your teeth daily, decay may be quietly forming.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not all decay causes pain right away. That’s why it’s easy to assume things are fine—until they’re not.

Here’s what to look out for:

• Tooth sensitivity, especially to sweets, cold, or heat
• Discomfort when biting or chewing
• Visible holes or pits in your teeth
• Brown, black, or white staining
• A persistent toothache

If this sounds familiar, don’t wait for it to “go away on its own.” Decay doesn’t reverse on its own—it only progresses.

Early treatment is simpler, less invasive, and much more comfortable.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

Preventing tooth decay is something you can start doing today—and it doesn’t require anything extreme. It’s all about building smart habits into your daily life.

1. Brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day

This is your first line of defence. Fluoride helps to remineralise enamel and fight off the acids that cause decay. Be gentle but thorough—especially along the gumline and the back teeth where plaque loves to hide.

2. Floss every day

Toothbrushes can’t reach between your teeth, where plaque often builds up. Flossing might seem small, but it’s a powerful tool against decay, especially between molars where food tends to get trapped.

3. Limit acidic and sugary foods and beverages

Sugary snacks, sodas, and fruit juices feed harmful bacteria in your mouth. Try to cut back on how often you consume them, and if you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterwards or brush 30 minutes later.

4. Drink plenty of water

Water does more than keep you hydrated—it helps rinse away food particles and bacteria between brushes. If you live in an area with fluoridated water, that’s a bonus for your enamel.

5. Visit your dentist regularly

Decay often develops silently. Routine dental check-ups and professional scale and clean help catch early signs before they become significant problems.

If your teeth are doing well, preventive dentistry prevents problems and greater treatment costs in the future.

You don’t need perfection—just consistency. Your future will be happier when you bite something delicious and aren’t scared.

Treatment Options for Tooth Decay

If you already have tooth decay, don’t panic. There are practical, comfortable ways to treat it—and the sooner you act, the better the outcome.

Fluoride treatments

For very early stages, a professional fluoride application can sometimes reverse the damage.

Dental fillings

The most common treatment for cavities is for your dentist to remove the infected or broken part and replace it with a strong filling.

Dental crowns

If the decay is more extensive and your tooth is weakened, a crown can restore strength and function.

Root canal therapy

If the problem is in the nerve and the decay has reached this point, root canal treatment can stop the decay and save the tooth.

Toot extraction

Removal may be necessary in severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, but it is always a last resort.

The key is to remember that you’re not alone in this. Your dentist is here to help, not judge.

Whether your decay is new or has been brewing for a while, there’s a path forward—and it starts with a conversation.

Tooth Decay Treatment in Albury

Tooth decay may be common, but it’s not inevitable. You can protect your smile with small daily choices and reach out when something feels wrong.

It’s easy to put off going to the dentist, especially if you’re not in pain. But the best outcomes happen when you act early.

Whether you’re looking to prevent decay or treat an existing issue, your following step matters.

Book your dental appointment today at Kreativ Dental Albury. Let’s keep your teeth strong, healthy, and pain-free—because you deserve a lasting smile.

Call your Albury dentist at (02) 6021 4171 or visit us at 525 Wilson St.