Tooth Decay & Cavity Prevention

Your teeth are designed to last a lifetime — but only with the right care. Tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world, affecting children, teens, and adults alike. The good news is that it is almost entirely preventable. At Dentistry On Yorkdale, Dr. B. Rosales Verzonilla and our team help patients across Toronto protect their teeth with regular exams, professional treatments, and practical guidance for everyday oral care.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the gradual destruction of tooth structure caused by acids produced by bacteria in the mouth. It begins on the outer surface of the tooth — the enamel — and, if left untreated, works its way inward through the softer dentin layer and eventually reaches the pulp, which contains the tooth's nerves and blood supply.

The process starts when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and starches from the foods and drinks you consume. As these bacteria digest sugars, they produce acids that attack the enamel. Over time, these repeated acid attacks weaken and break down the enamel, creating soft spots that eventually develop into holes — what we commonly call cavities.

Decay does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that can take weeks or months to progress to the point where a cavity forms. This is why regular dental check-ups are so important.

Dr. Verzonilla can detect the earliest signs of decay long before you notice any symptoms and intervene before a cavity develops.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities develop when several factors come together over time. Understanding what causes them is the first step in preventing them.
  1. Bacteria and Plaque. Your mouth naturally contains hundreds of species of bacteria. When you eat or drink, certain bacteria feed on the sugars and starches left behind and form a sticky, colourless film called plaque. Plaque clings to tooth surfaces and, if not removed by brushing and flossing, hardens into tartar (also called calculus) within 24 to 72 hours. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed by a dental professional during a cleaning.
  2. Sugar and Starch Consumption. The more frequently you consume sugary or starchy foods and beverages, the more fuel you provide to the bacteria that cause decay. It is not just candy and soft drinks — bread, crackers, chips, dried fruit, juice, and even milk contain sugars or starches that bacteria can feed on. Frequent snacking and sipping throughout the day is particularly harmful because it keeps acid levels elevated in the mouth for extended periods.
  3. Acid Attacks. Every time you eat or drink something containing sugar or starch, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Each acid attack lasts about 20 to 30 minutes after eating. If you snack or sip frequently, your teeth are under near-constant acid exposure with little time to recover between attacks.
  4. Dry Mouth. Saliva plays a critical role in protecting your teeth. It washes away food particles, neutralizes acids, and delivers minerals that help repair early enamel damage. Conditions or medications that reduce saliva flow — a condition known as dry mouth or xerostomia — significantly increase the risk of decay. Common causes include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, radiation therapy, and certain medical conditions
  5. Poor Oral Hygiene. Inconsistent or inadequate brushing and flossing allows plaque to accumulate and remain on tooth surfaces for longer periods, giving bacteria more time to produce enamel-damaging acids. Areas that are difficult to reach — such as the grooves on the chewing surfaces of back teeth and the tight spaces between teeth — are especially vulnerable
  6. Tooth Location and Anatomy. Back teeth (molars and premolars) are more susceptible to decay than front teeth because their chewing surfaces have deep grooves and pits where food and bacteria collect easily. These areas are harder to clean thoroughly with a toothbrush, which is one reason dental sealants are so effective at preventing decay in these teeth.

How We Detect Tooth Decay

We uses a combination of methods to detect decay at the earliest possible stage.

A thorough visual examination is performed at every check-up. Using a dental mirror and explorer, Dr. Verzonilla inspects every surface of every tooth for signs of softening, discoloration, or visible cavities.

Digital X-rays reveal decay that is not visible to the naked eye, particularly between teeth and beneath existing fillings. Our digital X-ray system uses significantly less radiation than traditional film X-rays and produces instant, highly detailed images.

During your examination, Dr. Verzonilla also assesses your overall risk for decay by reviewing your dental history, dietary habits, oral hygiene routine, saliva flow, and any medications you take. This allows us to create a personalized prevention plan tailored to your specific needs.

Tooth Wisdom Blogs

2026-03-01

Bacteria and Plaque

Your mouth naturally contains hundreds of species of bacteria. When you eat or drink, certain bacteria feed on the sugars and starches left behind and form a sticky, colourless film called plaque. Plaque clings to tooth surfaces and, if not removed by brushing and flossing, hardens into tartar (also called calculus) within 24 to 72 hours. Once tartar forms, it can only be removed by a dental professional during a cleaning.

2026-02-15

Sugar and Starch Consumption

The more frequently you consume sugary or starchy foods and beverages, the more fuel you provide to the bacteria that cause decay. It is not just candy and soft drinks — bread, crackers, chips, dried fruit, juice, and even milk contain sugars or starches that bacteria can feed on. Frequent snacking and sipping throughout the day is particularly harmful because it keeps acid levels elevated in the mouth for extended periods.

2026-01-10

Acid Attacks

Every time you eat or drink something containing sugar or starch, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. Each acid attack lasts about 20 to 30 minutes after eating. If you snack or sip frequently, your teeth are under near-constant acid exposure with little time to recover between attacks.

2025-12-05

Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a critical role in protecting your teeth. It washes away food particles, neutralizes acids, and delivers minerals that help repair early enamel damage. Conditions or medications that reduce saliva flow — a condition known as dry mouth or xerostomia — significantly increase the risk of decay. Common causes include antihistamines, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, radiation therapy, and certain medical conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Decay and Cavities

You may not know. Early cavities often have no symptoms at all, which is why regular dental exams are so important. By the time you feel pain or see a visible hole, the decay has already progressed beyond the earliest stage. Dr. Verzonilla can detect cavities long before they cause discomfort using a visual exam and digital X-rays.

Once a cavity has formed — meaning the enamel surface has broken through — it cannot heal on its own and requires a filling or other restoration. However, very early decay at the demineralization stage (a white spot on the enamel) can sometimes be reversed with fluoride, improved hygiene, and dietary changes before a cavity develops.

or most patients, a check-up and professional cleaning every six months is recommended. Patients with a higher risk of decay — due to dry mouth, a history of frequent cavities, or other factors — may benefit from more frequent visits. Dr. Verzonilla will recommend a schedule based on your individual needs.

Yes. Genetics can influence the thickness and composition of your enamel, the shape and depth of the grooves on your teeth, and the composition of your saliva. However, even patients with a genetic predisposition to cavities can dramatically reduce their risk with proper oral hygiene, regular dental care, fluoride, sealants, and a low-sugar diet.

Absolutely. Baby teeth hold space for the permanent teeth and play a vital role in a child's ability to chew and speak properly. An untreated cavity in a baby tooth can cause pain, infection, and damage to the developing permanent tooth beneath it. Early treatment protects your child's health and comfort.

Look for a toothpaste that contains fluoride and carries a seal of approval from the Canadian Dental Association. Beyond that, the best toothpaste is the one you will use consistently — twice a day for two full minutes.

Silver amalgam fillings have been used for over a century and are considered safe by major health organizations. However, many patients choose to replace them with tooth-coloured composite fillings for cosmetic reasons or when the old filling shows signs of wear.

Dr. Verzonilla can evaluate your existing fillings and recommend whether replacement is appropriate.

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Dentistry On Yorkdale:
(Mon to Sat 9 am to 5 pm, Sun Closed)
(416) 653-9648

St Clair West Dental Office: 
(Wed, Fri & Sat 9 am to 5 pm, Other Days Closed)
(416) 653-3368

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