Tooth decay is one of the most common diseases, second only to the cold, and most people have at least one filling or more, but tooth decay or dental caries is also quite a complex disease. When left untreated, it can cause infection and pain, and in extreme cases a dental abscess. The very worst-case scenario is for an infected tooth to become life-threatening, a situation that can develop if the infection-causing bacteria get into the sinus cavities in the upper jaw, and from there into the brain. Here at West Bowmanville Family Dental, we always urge our patients to seek emergency dental care for a toothache in Newcastle, and especially if you begin to feel unwell.

Despite all the bad news about tooth decay, it is possible to reduce your risk of developing a cavity, and especially when you know how tooth decay develops.

How Tooth Decay Develops


Teeth are coated with a hard, protective layer of enamel which prevents disease-causing bacteria from getting into the softer inner layer of the tooth which is called the dentin. Although tooth enamel is very strong, it can be damaged whenever you eat sugary or starchy foods. Bacteria mix with food debris, saliva to create plaque, a sticky biofilm that clings to tooth surfaces. The bacteria in plaque feed on leftover foods, creating acid as a by-product which dissolves tooth enamel. Eventually, as the enamel becomes weakened, cavities are formed in teeth.

Preventing plaque from building up and being mindful of your eating habits will help reduce the risk of cavities. Simple strategies include: