How to recognise tooth decay: the first signs and what to do

Tooth decay is a silent enemy. It starts as a microscopic change in the enamel – and may not hurt for weeks or even months. That is why patients often overlook it. Or they tell themselves: "I'll wait, it's nothing." Until a small hole becomes a big problem. When you can see changes in the mirror, it may already be late.

First signs you must not ignore

• Increased sensitivity to cold, sweet or sour – especially in one particular tooth.
• Food getting stuck in the same place – even though you brush your teeth.
• A change in enamel colour – a white matt spot, a brown speck, a grey shadow.
• Bad breath that does not go away even after brushing.
• A tooth that feels "different" – sharp, rough or sensitive to touch.

What happens if you leave it

Decay progresses towards the nerve. Without treatment it can cause:

• pain,
• inflammation of the dental pulp,
• the need for root canal treatment,
• or even tooth extraction.

And then come crowns, bridges, implants… and higher costs.

What happens if you come early

• A small cavity is treated quickly, often even without drilling.
• You keep most of the natural tooth structure.
• You avoid pain, inflammation and expensive treatment.

That is why at Happydent we focus on catching even the smallest cavity early. How tooth decay treatment works and how much a filling costs is explained on the service page.

What you can do today

• Look at your teeth in the mirror – under good light, carefully.
• Notice whether anything feels different than usual.
• Do not underestimate even a weak signal – your body is giving you information.

If you have even the slightest doubt, book a check-up. Not out of panic. For peace of mind. Regular dental hygiene with a check-up also reveals decay at an early stage.

Happydent: we notice what others overlook

Our check-ups are not a formality. We use magnifying loupes, a microscope, digital X-rays and an intraoral camera that shows you everything directly on the screen. We follow every tooth like a story – with its past, present and future.

The guide in PDF