Dental answers, made clearer
Learn how tooth decay develops, how cavities differ from decay, which early signs to notice and what can weaken or erode tooth enamel.
Early tooth decay often shows up as a white or brown spot on the enamel, mild sensitivity to sweet or cold foods, or a rough patch you can feel with your tongue. At this stage it's usually painless, which is why routine dental checkups catch it before symptoms appear.
Read the answerVery early decay, before a cavity has formed, can sometimes be reversed with fluoride treatment and improved oral hygiene, since enamel can remineralize at this stage. Once a cavity has actually formed, though, the damaged structure cannot heal itself and needs a filling or similar restoration.
Read the answerEnamel erosion is caused by repeated acid exposure from sources like sugary or carbonated drinks, acidic foods, frequent vomiting, or acid reflux, rather than by bacteria directly. Unlike decay, erosion wears the tooth surface down smoothly and can leave teeth looking yellow and feeling sensitive.
Read the answerTooth decay begins when bacteria in plaque feed on sugars and produce acid that gradually breaks down the tooth's enamel. Left untreated, this acid attack progresses from the outer enamel into the softer dentin layer, eventually forming a cavity.
Read the answerTooth decay is the ongoing process of enamel breakdown, while a cavity is the physical hole that results once decay has eaten through the tooth structure. In other words, decay is the disease, and a cavity is the visible damage it leaves behind.
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