Tooth decay (caries)

Tooth decay develops when bacteria on the teeth process sugar and produce acids. These acids attack the hard tooth structure. At first, tooth decay may only appear as a light or dark spot; discomfort often comes later.

Whether early tooth decay should be monitored, stabilized, or treated depends on the findings. If a cavity has already formed, a filling is usually needed. For deeper defects, other types of restoration may be considered.

The risk of tooth decay can be reduced through thorough care at home, regular check-ups, a lower-sugar diet, and, where useful, professional cleaning or fluoride treatment. We discuss which steps make sense for your individual situation.