Tooth Decay — What Causes It and How to Stop It

Tooth decay (cavities) starts when bacteria in your mouth eat sugar and make acid. That acid wears away tooth enamel over time. You might not feel anything at first, but a small spot can become a painful cavity in weeks or months. The good news: most decay is preventable with a few simple habits and timely dental care.

First, brush with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for two minutes. Fluoride strengthens enamel and helps reverse tiny early spots. Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush and cover all surfaces, especially along the gumline and the chewing surfaces of back teeth.

Floss once a day. Floss removes plaque and food between teeth where your brush can't reach. If string floss feels awkward, try floss picks or interdental brushes. Clean spaces between teeth once daily — that alone cuts a lot of risk.

Quick Prevention Checklist

Reduce sugary snacks and sticky foods. It’s not just how much sugar you eat but how often. Frequent sipping of sugary or acidic drinks keeps your mouth acidic all day. Swap soda and fruit juice for water. Chew sugar-free gum with xylitol after meals to boost saliva and lower bacteria.

Drink tap water if it’s fluoridated, or use fluoride mouthwash when recommended by your dentist. Kids often need different fluoride doses than adults — check with your dentist or pediatrician. For children, dental sealants on molars are an easy preventive step that blocks grooves where cavities form.

Keep up with regular dental visits. Cleanings remove hardened plaque and dentists catch early spots before they need a filling. For most people, twice-yearly visits work, but high-risk patients may need more frequent checks.

When to See a Dentist

Visit your dentist if you notice sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods, a visible hole, or persistent tooth pain. Severe toothache, swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing needs urgent dental care. Delaying treatment can mean a simple filling turns into a root canal or extraction.

Treatment options are straightforward: small cavities get fillings, larger ones may need crowns, and deep infections might require root canals. Your dentist will pick the least invasive option that fixes the problem and protects the tooth.

For parents: avoid putting babies to bed with bottles of milk or juice. Offer plain water at night. Start dental visits by their first birthday or when the first tooth appears. Teach kids good brushing and make it routine — set a timer, make it fun, and help until they can do it well on their own.

Simple daily care, smart food choices, and regular dental visits cut most tooth decay. Little changes add up quickly and keep your smile healthy without drama.