Caries (tooth decay) is damage to a tooth that can affect both its outer layer (enamel) and its inner layer (dentine). It begins to form when teeth are not properly cleaned of food debris. The greatest harm is caused by carbohydrates (sugar), which are abundant in bread, cereals, milk, fruit, cakes and sweets. Bacteria in the mouth convert this sugar into acids, which coat the teeth and gradually dissolve the enamel. If the teeth are not cleaned well, caries forms, and then dental treatment is needed. 

What are the symptoms of caries?

When caries is only just beginning to form, a person may not feel any symptoms. That is why preventive dental check-ups help to detect it. If caries is left untreated for a long time, it spreads, and then symptoms such as the following may appear:

• tooth sensitivity;
• pain when eating sweet, sour and cold food;
• black, white or brown spots on the surface of the teeth.

How is dental treatment carried out?

Tooth decay is treated using new-generation certified materials. First, a drill and other instruments are used to remove the damaged tooth tissue. The cavity is then thoroughly cleaned and filled with several layers of filling material. The aim of filling is not only to fill the damaged area, but also to restore the tooth's aesthetic appearance, shape and function. The materials are therefore selected according to the extent of the damage and the tooth's location in the mouth, its shape and colour. In addition, if the patient wishes, dental treatment can always be carried out with anaesthesia. 

What complications can arise if dental treatment is not carried out in time?

To many patients, caries seems a minor problem, but it is worth taking more seriously. Untreated caries can cause severe pain and a bacterial infection that spreads to deeper tooth tissues and leads to significant tooth damage or even tooth loss. 

How often should you visit the dentist?

At every preventive check-up, the doctor carefully examines the patient's teeth. This helps to notice forming caries or other diseases of the teeth, gums and mouth in time and to take the necessary measures.

We recommend visiting the dentist once every six months, so that dental and oral problems are noticed while still small and delayed dental treatment does not become a tiring, lengthy and expensive process.