Tooth Decay FAQs

As long as you have teeth in your mouth, you are susceptible. From young babies to the elderly, we are all vulnerable to decay and should visit the dentist and hygienist regularly as well as practice good oral hygiene at home.

In some cases, if the decay is caught early enough we may just monitor the tooth and prescribe a fluoride toothpaste as well as recommending oral hygiene techniques. Once decay becomes more advanced you will need treatment to remove the decay and replace the lost tooth tissue.

Often you will not feel decay until it has already progressed to an advanced state – this is usually once it has spread to the dentine and may be close to the nerve.

Studies have shown that using fluoride toothpaste significantly reduces the risk of dental decay. Furthermore, the use of a fluoride mouth rinse can also contribute to an additional 40% reduction in dental decay.