Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this condition, answered by the team at Knoxfield Dental Care, Knoxfield.
What is the difference between plaque and tooth decay?
Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When it feeds on sugars it produces acids that dissolve enamel — that acid damage is tooth decay (cavities). Plaque is the cause; decay is the result of leaving it untreated.
What causes tooth decay?
Decay develops when plaque bacteria, frequent sugary or starchy foods, and time combine to erode enamel. Poor brushing and flossing, low saliva flow (dry mouth), and skipping regular check-ups all increase the risk.
What are the early signs of a cavity?
Early decay may show as white or brown spots on the enamel, sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold, or mild discomfort when biting. Many early cavities cause no pain at all, which is why routine examinations are so important.
Can early tooth decay be reversed?
Very early enamel softening can sometimes be remineralised with fluoride and improved home care before a hole forms. Once decay breaks through the enamel into a cavity, it cannot heal itself and needs a filling to stop it spreading.
How can I prevent plaque build-up?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes once a day, limit sugary snacks and drinks, and have regular professional cleans. Plaque that hardens into tartar can only be removed by your dentist.
Is tartar the same as plaque?
No. Tartar (calculus) is plaque that has hardened onto the tooth over time. It cannot be brushed away and provides a rough surface for more plaque and bacteria, which is why professional scaling at Knoxfield Dental Care is needed to remove it.
How often should I have a check-up and clean?
Most people benefit from a check-up and professional clean every six months, though your dentist may suggest a different interval based on your risk. Regular visits catch decay while it is small and easy to treat.
Does tooth decay always hurt?
No — that is the danger. Decay often develops painlessly until it reaches the deeper, sensitive layers of the tooth. By the time it hurts, more extensive treatment may be needed, so don’t rely on pain as your warning sign.
What treatments are used for tooth decay?
Small cavities are usually restored with tooth-coloured fillings. Larger decay may need an inlay, onlay, or crown, and decay that reaches the nerve may require root canal treatment. Early detection keeps treatment simple.
How can I look after my child’s teeth to prevent decay?
Help young children brush twice a day with an age-appropriate fluoride toothpaste, limit sugary drinks and snacks, avoid bottles of juice or milk at bedtime, and start dental visits early. Building good habits protects both baby and adult teeth.
