Tooth decay does not hurt at first. It starts as a whitish, later brownish spot, often between the teeth, where you cannot see it yourself. That is why it is usually found at a check-up, under magnification and, where it makes sense, with digital X-rays. Found early, a small filling is often enough. At the very beginning, decay can even be stopped with fluoride and good care.
Updated: 9 November 2026
How decay forms
Bacteria in plaque turn sugar into acid. The acid dissolves minerals from the enamel. Saliva partly makes up for this between meals. If the loss outweighs this over a longer period, decay develops. What matters is not only how much sugar you eat, but how often.
From the first spot to pain
| Stage | What happens | What helps |
|---|---|---|
| Demineralisation in the enamel | whitish spot, no hole, no symptoms | fluoride, good care, check-ups; between the teeth often a resin infiltration (Icon) |
| Decay in the enamel | the surface breaks in | a small filling |
| Decay in the dentine | sensitive to sweet and cold | a filling or inlay |
| Decay close to the nerve | lasting pain, at night too | often root canal treatment |
What you may notice yourself
- A tooth reacts to sweet, cold or hot food.
- A dark spot or a hole can be seen or felt with your tongue.
- Floss keeps fraying in the same spot.
- Food always gets stuck in the same place.
If there are no such signs, that does not mean everything is fine. Decay between the teeth often only shows up on an X-ray.
Stopping early decay without drilling
If the decay has not yet become a hole, for example between the teeth, we can often stop it with resin infiltration (Icon): a highly fluid resin penetrates the affected area and seals it from within. No drilling, no anaesthetic, one session, and healthy tooth structure is fully preserved.
What prevents it
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth once a day.
- Have sweet and acidic food with meals rather than spread across the day.
- Have regular check-ups and dental hygiene appointments.
How often should you have a check-up?
For most people, once a year. We take X-rays when they clarify something, for example between the teeth, digitally and with low radiation. If your risk is higher, shorter intervals make sense.
And if your last appointment was a while ago?
Then now is a good time. You get a calm appointment without reproach. We look closely, show you on screen what we see and discuss calmly what makes sense.
