Stopping tooth decay early

Caries, or tooth decay, does not appear suddenly as a hole. At the first stage a dull white spot appears on the surface of the tooth: the enamel begins to lose minerals, but the child feels nothing. At this stage the decay can often be stopped without drilling the tooth.

Stages of tooth decay

1. White spot: the enamel loses minerals, there is no pain
2. Cavity: the tooth may be sensitive to sweet, cold and hot food, but is often still painless
3. Inflamed nerve: severe pain that gets worse at night, and treatment becomes more complex

What we do at an early stage

• Strengthening the enamel with fluoride varnish
• Teaching brushing technique to the child and parent together
• Advice on cutting down how often the child has sweets and sugary drinks
• Monitoring the spot at regular check-ups

The enamel of baby teeth is thinner than that of permanent teeth, so decay can turn from a white spot into a deep cavity in just a few months. A check-up every 3-6 months helps catch decay early.