Concerned about your smile but not ready to book a consultation?

42 Kingfield Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, S11 9AS

42 Kingfield Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, S11 9AS

20/02/2023

5 Things You Need to Know About Tooth Decay

When the surface of your tooth starts to break down and small holes develop, this is called tooth decay. The damage tooth decay causes are referred to as dental caries or cavities. If you’ve ever had a filling in your life, it was to repair a cavity. 

Although very common, cavities and tooth decay aren’t problems you should take lightly. Any initial treatment is simple and effective, but skipping this step could harm your oral health and your smile. 

So, what causes tooth decay? And what can you do to prevent it?

Here are five essential facts that everyone should know about tooth decay and cavities. 

1. Tooth Decay Is One of the Most Common Diseases Affecting Humans

According to the World Health Organization, tooth decay is the most common noncommunicable disease in the world. It’s estimated that almost half of the global population is affected by tooth decay. 

The highest occurrences of tooth decay are often found in middle-income countries where high-sugar diets are prevalent. 

2. Tooth Decay Is Caused By Two Main Factors

To develop tooth decay, you need two things; certain acid-creating bacteria and a diet high in sugars and starches. The bad news is that we all naturally have those types of bacteria present in our mouths at all times. The good news is that tooth decay is entirely preventable. 

Inside your mouth, you have lots of different bacteria. Some bacteria are good and help break down food, keep your breath fresh, and even stave off tooth decay. Others feed off sugar and, as they do, create acids that wear through tooth enamel. Introducing too much sugar to these bacteria increases the risk of tooth decay. 

If you have tooth decay, you may notice sensitivity in your teeth. This will eventually become toothache as the cavity forms. 

3. Untreated Tooth Decay Leads to Infection

As acid erodes the surface of a tooth, a cavity will form. Eventually, bacteria will enter the cavity, penetrating deep into the tooth to an area called the pulp chamber. This area contains all the living tissues and nerves, collectively called “dental pulp.” The dental pulp extends right down into the root canal system. 

To remove an infection, you’ll need a root canal treatment. This procedure clears out infected matter and plugs the gap. 

Dental infections are very painful, making it very difficult to chew or eat. You may also experience swelling in the area. 

4. Ignoring Dental Infections Can Have Serious Consequences

Despite the pain and discomfort associated with dental infections, it’s quite common for people to try to avoid treatment. This strategy never works. An infection will kill the tooth, and abscesses will form beneath it.

Gradually, the infection will spread to your other teeth, your gums, and, if it enters your bloodstream, the vital organs such as your heart. 

5. Preventing Tooth Decay Is Easy

Fortunately, despite the potential outcomes, tooth decay is avoidable. There are a few simple ways you can prevent it:

  • Avoid sugary food and drinks – If you do enjoy the occasional sweet treat, brush your teeth soon after.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste – Fluoride strengthens your enamel, reducing the risk of acid erosion. 
  • Visit your dentist often for a full checkup – A regular checkup helps us spot the early signs of decay, allowing us to do something about it. 

Stop Tooth Decay With Harley Private Dental

At Harley Private Dental, we take the general health of your smile seriously. Tooth decay is easily prevented but could cause severe damage. Help stay ahead of cavities with a regular checkup. 

Call us today to schedule your appointment. 

Back to Blog

Get in touch

We would love to hear from you

star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“A very positive experience - I was a nervous patient in a lot of pain and the dentist put me at my…”

Mary Jayne Killick - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Excellent dental clinic - lovely surroundings and staff are friendly and professional, always a pleasure to visit. Very happy with the work…”

Sandra Laja - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Lovely dentist with lovely staff”

Frederika Yockney - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Really pleased with my experience at Harley Private Dental - a very professional and friendly service - in beautiful surroundings. Makes going…”

Sarah Riley - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Complete smile transformation that looks completely natural. Couldn’t be happier with the end result and the process to get here was enjoyable.…”

Scarlett Strickland - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“I highly recommend Harley private dental very satisfied customer well worth the visit”

Pauline Squillino - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Great service, made the experience positive one, had Invisalign treatment, was fast, efficient and always friendly. Would recommend. Fantastic results.”

Lauren Cork - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“GRATEFULNESS to you for being so very humble during my check up routine I’m happy knowing you are knowledgeable and being an…”

Kalbinder Gossal - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“I can’t rate the guys at Harley highly enough. I received a highly professional service delivered with care and my best interests…”

Daniel Fox - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“I had an amazing experience at this dental clinic. The staff were friendly and welcoming. The dentist I saw was extremely knowledgeable…”

Elham Eats - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Great service, warm and welcoming staff. One of the best experiences I have ever had with dental care, guaranteed to leave with…”

Mujdah A - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“I had a great experience at this practice. My dentist Ehsan was absolutely brilliant. Reasonable prices as well. Overall service - top…”

Syed muatar maknoon andrabi - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Fantastic Experience. Get the perfect bright sparkling smile & see the light it brings to your life! Must Visit, Amazing staff and…”

Adil kaji - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“Had my first checkup today, impressed with the service. Will definitely be returning here.”

Janees Rafiq - Google Review

View all Reviews
star1 star2 star3 star4 star5

“The staff are amazing and the service is second to non. I have seen the hygienist who was very attentive and very…”

Dean Krause - Google Review

View all Reviews
View on Instagram

42 Kingfield Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, S11 9AS

T. 0114 551 4000

Contact Us