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A small hole in the tooth

Teeth are a true masterpiece of nature. They enable us to chew, speak and smile. But what happens when a small cavity forms in a tooth? This blog post will guide you through the causes, prevention and treatment of tooth decay so that you can maintain your dental health in the long term.

Andrea Seraina Author
Andrea Seraina
Dental Content Specialist
04/26/20248 min. reading time
small hole in the tooth, caries repair, ALPINE WHITE, dental health, early intervention, painless treatment, tooth decay, tooth preservation, innovative dental treatment, oral hygiene, preventive dentistry

What is tooth decay and how does it develop?

The development of tooth decay is a widespread problem that is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene and degrades the tooth structure. If daily cleaning of the teeth, especially the incisors, is neglected, plaque and bacteria build up, producing acids and attacking the tooth enamel. This can lead to deep decay which, if left untreated, can cause significant damage and may require treatment with a crown or implant to restore the function and aesthetics of the tooth. The dental community worldwide emphasises the importance of thorough dental care as the key to preventing such serious dental problems.

Initial stage of caries: The initial caries

In the initial stage, also known as initial caries, there is often only discolouration or a small hole on the tooth surface. At this early stage, the damage is often still reversible. Fluoride, which is contained in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, can help to remineralise the enamel and prevent further damage. Our ALPINE WHITE toothpaste contains fluoride and helps to remineralise the enamel.

Deep caries: When the dentin is affected

Once the caries has reached the dentin, we speak of a deeper caries. The dentin contains numerous nerve canals and its damage can lead to sensitive teeth and severe toothache. Root canal treatment or even a dental filling may be necessary to save the health of the tooth.

How can you prevent tooth decay?

Dental care: more than just brushing your teeth

Regular tooth brushing is the basis of good oral hygiene. It removes plaque and food debris, which serve as a food source for caries bacteria. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, ideally with a fluoride toothpaste or toothpaste that strengthens tooth enamel.

Dental floss and cleaning the spaces between teeth

The spaces between the teeth are often a breeding ground for tooth decay, as they are easily overlooked during normal tooth brushing. Using dental floss or special interdental brushes once a day is crucial to remove plaque and food debris from these hard-to-reach areas.

Dental hygiene: a must for dental health

A professional dental cleaning at our ALPINE WHITE Studio can remove plaque and tartar that is difficult to remove at home. This treatment not only helps to prevent tooth decay, but also gum problems and bad breath.

Diet: Watch out for sugar and carbohydrates

Sugary drinks and snacks can significantly increase the risk of tooth decay. Bacteria in your mouth use sugar to produce acids that attack tooth enamel. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables and unprocessed foods not only supports your general health, but also the health of your teeth.

alpine white, dental hygiene, healthy teeth, professional teeth cleaning, alpine white studio, Zurich, Switzerland
Dental Hygiene
€185

For a healthy mouth and beautiful teeth, regular professional teeth cleaning is essential. Our specialists detect early signs of caries and prevent them.

  • Personalised dental hygiene
  • Gum check & caries control
  • Painless cleaning with AIRFLOW

Treating a small hole: what to do?

Early intervention

At the first sign of tooth decay, it is important to consult our ALPINE WHITE Studio immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the need for more invasive procedures, such as a filling or crown. Find out more below.

Caries treatment: fillings and more

If tooth decay is diagnosed, there are various treatment options available, depending on the severity of the condition. In the case of superficial caries, a filling can often be sufficient to close the cavity and preserve the structure of the tooth. Materials such as amalgam or composites are commonly used for fillings, although many people nowadays avoid amalgam fillings due to health and environmental concerns. However, this is not necessary with ALPINE WHITE.

Advanced caries: the need for deeper treatment

For deep caries that reaches the nerve of the tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary. This process removes the infected pulp and cleans the root of the tooth to prevent the infection from spreading. In some cases, especially if the structure of the tooth is severely damaged, a dental crown may be required to provide sustainable protection and restore function to the tooth.

Caries in milk teeth: A particular challenge

Milk teeth are particularly susceptible to decay. Although these teeth will eventually fall out, their health is crucial for the development of permanent teeth and a correct bite. Untreated decay in primary teeth can lead to pain, infection and problems with the development of permanent teeth.

Visits to the dentist? Not with ALPINE WHITE

In modern dentistry, the prevention of tooth decay and other dental problems is the be-all and end-all. With ALPINE WHITE's advanced treatments and products, you can now effectively avoid regular visits to the dentist's surgery. Our specially developed solutions such as Caries Repair and our bacterial analysis are revolutionising the way we manage our dental health.

Caries Repair: Professional treatment in the ALPINE WHITE Studio

The Caries Repair treatment from ALPINE WHITE offers an advanced solution for the treatment of carious areas directly in our Studio. This method enables the remineralisation and repair of small carious areas without the need for drilling. By using our specialised technology, initial caries, white spots and other early signs of tooth mineral loss can be treated gently and effectively. The treatment is not only painless, but also helps to preserve the natural structure of the tooth and prevent further decay. Come to ALPINE WHITE to experience this innovative treatment and effectively protect your teeth.

Bacterial analysis: precise diagnostics in our ALPINE WHITE Studio

With our advanced bacterial analysis, we offer you the opportunity to identify harmful bacteria in your mouth before they cause serious damage such as tooth decay or dental caries. This analysis is an essential step in understanding your oral flora and targeting the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.

Bacterial analysis is crucial for the development of a personalised treatment plan. By analysing your oral flora in detail, we can target the specific bacteria that are putting your dental health at risk. This prophylactic measure is a valuable investment in your long-term dental health, helping to recognise and treat serious problems at an early stage. Visit our Studio to find out more about this innovative service and optimise the protection of your oral health.

Dental hygiene: the cornerstone of dental health with ALPINE WHITE products

To support optimal oral hygiene, ALPINE WHITE offers a range of products specifically designed to combat tooth decay and strengthen the gums. Our toothpastes are enriched with ingredients that not only clean the teeth, but also strengthen the enamel and thus protect against tooth decay.

Advantages of ALPINE WHITE

  • Cost-effectiveness: Avoid expensive visits to the dentist and save not only money but also time. Our treatments help to reduce expensive dental interventions through early detection and preventive care.
  • Save time: Benefit from quick appointments and minimised waiting time through efficient procedures and easily accessible locations. Our services are designed to minimise disruption to your daily life.
  • Early intervention: Recognise and treat dental problems early with our innovative products and treatments. This helps to prevent serious damage and maintain the long-term health of your teeth.
  • Specialised diagnostics: Our advanced analytical methods, such as bacterial analysis, enable precise diagnosis of problems before they develop into major health challenges.
  • Personalised treatment plans: Our clients receive a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, based on thorough diagnostic evaluations. This ensures that you achieve the optimal results for you.
  • Painless and non-invasive methods: Our technologies and treatment approaches are designed to minimise discomfort and preserve the natural structure of your teeth without invasive procedures such as drilling.

A healthy smile starts with prevention

Caries is a serious disease that can affect anyone. The best strategy against tooth decay is prevention. A combination of good dental hygiene, regular visits to the ALPINE WHITE Studio and a low-sugar diet can help keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay. Remember that taking care of your teeth is a lifelong process that lays the foundation for a healthy smile.

With the right habits and regular care, you can not only prevent tooth decay, but also ensure that your teeth stay strong and healthy for a lifetime. Invest in your dental health - it's worth it!

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