We usually first hear what tooth decay is back in kindergarten. But although we know this dental disease well, we sometimes wave it off, thinking that a little decay won't do our teeth any harm. Is that really true, and when should we see a dentist about it?

Tooth decay is a chronic, infectious-origin damage to the hard tissues of the teeth, in which, as it progresses, demineralisation and breakdown of the hard tissues develop.

Tooth decay has several stages. In the initial one, a whitish, matt-coloured carious spot appears on the teeth. Since at this stage only the top layer of the teeth – the enamel – is damaged, the teeth aren't treated. At this stage you simply need to care for the oral cavity properly, thanks to which further spread of the decay into the tooth can be delayed for a long time.

Sometimes the development of decay stops at the spot stage, and it becomes an intensely brown, almost black colour. But most often the spot spreads, especially if dental care is poor. In that case the carious spot becomes true decay, which now has to be removed in the dentist's office. The decay is cleaned out by drilling, and the cavity that appears is filled.

But there are people who don't turn to dentists even because of obviously visible dark-brown or black changes. In that case the bacteria of untreated decay reach the tooth's pulp and eventually the person develops complications, which can even lead to tooth loss.

And although it may sometimes seem that a little delay in treating a seemingly innocent carious spot won't do any harm, if we keep ignoring it, over time we can face painful consequences for both health and the wallet.

You should see a dentist as soon as you notice the first symptoms of decay – darkening on the tooth, tooth pain, sensitivity or crumbling. This way you'll head off the development of decay, the appearance of other unpleasant diseases and frequent visits to the dentist.