Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the general name we give the damage that is done when the bacteria that occurs naturally in your mouth create acid that erodes your tooth. This can lead to a pain, infection and even the loss of the tooth.

Every tooth has three layers:

• The hard enamel on the outside.
• The middle layer of dentin.
• The pulp at the centre of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels.

The longer you leave tooth decay untreated, the more layers are affected and the worse the damage will be. Don’t wait until it hurts!

Plaque grows on your teeth, gums and dentures everyday. Plaque contains the bacteria that feed on sugars from your food that remain on your teeth. As the bacteria feed, they produce acids which erode your tooth enamel over time, causing decay.

Tooth cavities are a common dental problem that can typically be resolved with a simple dental procedure, like a filling. However, when you leave a cavity untreated it can cause further decay and lead to dental complications that can be difficult to treat.