Cavities and Dental Decay

Early Care Can Help Protect Your Natural Teeth

Cavities develop when bacteria in the mouth interact with sugars and produce acids that gradually weaken tooth enamel. Over time, this process can create areas of decay that may progress deeper into the tooth if they are not addressed.

Several factors can contribute to tooth decay, including plaque buildup, frequent exposure to sugary foods and drinks, dry mouth, and areas of the teeth that are difficult to keep clean. Regular dental examinations can help identify cavities, including those that may not yet be causing noticeable symptoms.

Early tooth decay does not always cause noticeable symptoms. As a cavity progresses, you may experience sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, discomfort when biting or chewing, visible dark spots, or an ongoing toothache. If you notice changes in a tooth, a dental examination can help determine whether decay is present and how extensively the tooth has been affected.

At Deer Lake Dental, our dentists can examine the affected tooth and use Digital X-Rays when appropriate to gather additional diagnostic information. Treatment will depend on the extent of the decay and may include a Tooth-Coloured Filling, Dental Crown, or Root Canal Therapy. When possible, treatment is focused on removing decay, restoring the tooth, and preserving healthy natural tooth structure.