An interesting question is where cavities most often form. From practice and statistics, we know that the most at-risk areas are the hard-to-reach places in the mouth and on the teeth – pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces, contact points between teeth, the cervical third of the tooth near the gums, and in the case of exposed roots, their surface. If dental plaque accumulates in these areas, it creates the ideal environment for the development of decay.

In everyday language, we simply talk about “tooth decay,” but from a medical point of view, there are several types of cavities. Depending on the affected tissue, we distinguish enamel caries, which is often reversible in its early stages; dentin caries, which spreads more quickly; and cementum caries, which affects exposed tooth roots. Based on the speed of progression, caries can be acute – advancing quickly and appearing light yellow – or chronic, with a slower development and a dark carious lesion. There is also arrested caries, which has stopped progressing and has a hard, pigmented surface.

When it comes to the relationship with the dental pulp, we recognize superficial caries, moderate caries, deep caries close to the pulp, and caries that has already reached the pulp. The way the caries spreads through the dentin is also important – it may be undermining caries, which spreads mainly under the enamel, or penetrating caries, which quickly moves toward the pulp. Caries can appear on an intact tooth – primary caries, next to a filling as secondary caries, or even under a filling – known as recurrent caries, usually due to insufficient dental treatment.

A key tool in preventing tooth decay is proper oral hygiene – both at home and professionally – and regular preventive care. Brushing teeth regularly, using interdental brushes and dental floss, limiting sweets, and visiting the dentist regularly are the basic steps to maintaining a healthy set of teeth. The sooner caries is detected, the easier – and ultimately cheaper – it is to treat. With the right care and regular prevention, cavities can be completely avoided. Tooth decay doesn’t hurt in its early stages, which is why dental checkups and early detection are so important!