Tooth Decay & Cavities
Bacterial acid attack on tooth structure — most conservative to treat when caught early.
What it means
Understanding tooth decay & cavities
Tooth decay, which leads to cavities, is one of the most common dental problems and one of the most preventable. It happens when the bacteria in plaque produce acids that gradually dissolve the hard outer surface of the tooth. In its earliest stages decay causes no symptoms at all, which is exactly why regular check-ups are so valuable — a small area of decay found early is far simpler to treat than a cavity that has been left to grow.
Left unchecked, decay works its way through the enamel into the softer dentine beneath and, eventually, towards the nerve, where it can cause pain and infection. The good news is that with early detection and good daily habits, decay can often be caught before it ever becomes a problem.
At our CQC-regulated practice, a GDC-registered dentist checks for early signs of decay at every examination and will explain clearly if and when treatment is needed.
Common causes of tooth decay & cavities
Several factors can contribute to tooth decay & cavities. Being aware of them can help — though only an examination can confirm what applies to you. Common contributing factors include:
- Frequent sugary or acidic food and drink, especially between meals
- Plaque building up where cleaning is missed
- Not cleaning between the teeth daily
- A dry mouth, which reduces the protective effect of saliva
- Deep grooves in the back teeth that trap food
- Exposed root surfaces from gum recession
Signs and symptoms to look out for
Symptoms vary from person to person, and some can be subtle. You may notice one or more of the following:
- Often no symptoms in the early stages
- Sensitivity to sweet, hot or cold food and drink
- Visible white, brown or dark spots on the tooth
- A small hole or pit you can feel with your tongue
- Toothache or discomfort as decay deepens
- Food repeatedly catching in one area
How we assess it at our Wimpole Street practice
Because the same symptoms can have different causes, an accurate diagnosis always comes first. At Wimpole Dental, a GDC-registered dentist will listen to your concerns, examine the area and — where clinically appropriate — take X-rays or other records to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Our practice is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).
You will then have your options explained in plain English, with a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins — and never any pressure to proceed. Flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
What to expect when you visit us
From your very first contact, our aim is to make dental care feel calm, clear and unhurried. A member of our reception team will help you find a time that suits you, including evening and weekend appointments, and if you are in pain we will do our best to see you the same day. You are welcome as a new patient, and there is no obligation to proceed with any treatment.
At your appointment, a GDC-registered dentist will take time to understand your concerns about tooth decay & cavities, carry out a careful examination and, where clinically appropriate, take X-rays or other records. They will then explain what they have found and set out the suitable options — from doing nothing and monitoring, through to the treatments described above — so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.
If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone, and we are experienced in caring for nervous patients. Please tell us how you feel when you book: we will move at your pace, explain each step before it happens, and focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Our priority is honest, gentle care that puts your long-term health first.
Solutions & treatment options
How decay is treated depends on how far it has progressed. Very early decay, before a cavity has formed, can sometimes be halted and the enamel strengthened with fluoride and improved home care — no drilling required. Once a cavity has formed, the decayed tissue is removed and the tooth restored, most often with a tooth-coloured filling.
Larger cavities may need an inlay, onlay or crown to restore strength, and decay that has reached the nerve may require root canal treatment to save the tooth. Your dentist will always aim to preserve as much healthy tooth as possible and will explain the options with a written estimate beforehand.
Because decay is progressive, treating it early keeps things simpler, more comfortable and more affordable — another reason regular check-ups are worthwhile.
The treatment we most often use
White Fillings
Mercury-free, tooth-coloured composite fillings designed to restore decayed or damaged teeth and blend in naturally.
Prevention & everyday care
While professional care is important, good daily habits make a real difference. The following steps can help:
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and spit, don't rinse
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Reduce how often you have sugary and acidic food and drink
- Attend regular check-ups and hygiene appointments
- Ask about fissure sealants for deep grooves in back teeth
- Drink water and chew sugar-free gum to help protect against acids
When to see a dentist
If this sounds familiar, it's worth having it assessed early — problems are almost always simpler to treat when caught sooner. A £30 consultation lets a GDC-registered dentist find the cause and explain your options in plain English, with no pressure to proceed.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
The very earliest stage of decay, before a cavity forms, can sometimes be halted and the enamel remineralised with fluoride and better home care. Once a cavity has developed, the tooth needs a filling or other restoration, which is why early detection matters.
Not always at the earliest stage, but once decay has broken through the enamel and formed a cavity, a filling or other restoration is usually needed to remove the decay and protect the tooth. Your dentist will advise based on the extent of decay.
Brushing alone can miss the surfaces between teeth, where decay often starts, and frequent sugary or acidic snacking increases the risk. Cleaning between the teeth daily, reducing snacking and regular professional care all help reduce cavities.
No. This page is general education to help you understand a common concern. It is not a diagnosis, and the same symptoms can have different causes. Only an in-person examination by a GDC-registered dentist can confirm what is happening and what, if anything, needs treating.
You will always receive a written, itemised quote before any treatment begins. New patients start with a £30 consultation; flexible payment options may be available — ask at your consultation.
That is very common and completely understood. Our team is experienced in caring for anxious patients: your dentist will explain everything in plain English, work at your pace and never pressure you to proceed. Let us know how you feel when you book so we can make your visit as calm and comfortable as possible.
Yes. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and every clinician is registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), with numbers you can verify on the public register. Our marketing follows advertising standards guidance for healthcare, and we never guarantee outcomes.
You can book online, request a call back, or call us on 020 7183 0692. New patients are welcome, and we offer evening and weekend appointments as well as same-day emergency slots where possible.
Related concerns in tooth damage & decay
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22 Wimpole St, London W1G 8GQ · CQC regulated · GDC-registered clinicians