Last updated: September 2026,
Nine out of ten adults will deal with a cavity at some point in their life — and most of them ignore the first warning sign.
That warning sign is usually small: a flicker of sensitivity when you drink tea, a dull ache you assume will pass. It's easy to brush off, literally and figuratively. But tooth decay doesn't pause while you wait to "see if it gets worse." Left alone, a cavity moves from a barely-visible mark on the enamel to a hole that reaches the nerve — and by then, a five-minute filling has turned into a root canal, or worse.
The fix isn't complicated. Catch it early, treat it properly, and it's a routine, painless visit. At Robinhood Dental Practice in Hall Green, Birmingham, that's exactly what we do — same-day appointments for anyone in pain, and straightforward, affordable treatment for everyone else. Here's what causes a cavity, how to spot one before it becomes a problem, and what we'll do about it if it already has.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole or damaged area in the hard outer surface of your tooth, caused by tooth decay. It starts small — often invisible to the naked eye — and grows larger the longer it's left untreated, eventually reaching the softer inner layers of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels sit.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay happens gradually, in three stages:
- Plaque builds up. A sticky film of bacteria forms on your teeth after eating or drinking, especially sugary or starchy foods. If it isn't brushed away, it hardens into tartar, which only a dentist or hygienist can remove.
- Acid attacks the enamel. Bacteria in plaque feed on sugar and produce acid, which slowly wears away your enamel — the tooth's protective outer layer.
- Decay reaches deeper layers. Once the enamel is breached, decay spreads to the dentin (a softer layer) and eventually the pulp, where the nerves are. This is when pain typically starts.
Common Risk Factors
- Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks and tea/coffee with sugar throughout the day
- Not brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
- Skipping regular dental check-ups
- Dry mouth (often a side effect of certain medications)
- Acid reflux or GORD, which exposes teeth to stomach acid
- Worn or ill-fitting fillings and crowns
- Age — children, teenagers, and older adults are all at higher risk for different reasons
Symptoms to Watch For
Early-stage decay often has no symptoms at all, which is exactly why routine check-ups matter. As decay progresses, you may notice:
- Toothache or sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods
- Visible pits, holes, or dark staining on a tooth
- Pain when biting down
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste that won't go away
If you're experiencing any of these, don't wait. Tooth decay only gets worse with time, and what starts as mild sensitivity can quickly become an infection.
How We Diagnose and Treat Cavities
At Robinhood Dental Practice, diagnosing a cavity typically involves a visual examination, gentle probing, and — where needed — an X-ray to check for decay between teeth or beneath existing fillings.
Treatment depends on how far the decay has progressed:
| Stage of Decay | Typical Treatment |
| Early enamel damage | Fluoride treatment to help re-mineralise the tooth |
| Cavity has formed | Dental filling — from £80 (Glass Ionomer), £150 (Amalgam), £175 (Composite) |
| Decay reaches the nerve | |
| Extensive damage | Crown to restore strength and shape |
| Tooth beyond saving | Extraction, with implant or bridge options to replace it |
We'll always walk you through the options and costs before any treatment begins — you can see our current fees on our pricing page.
What Happens If a Cavity Is Left Untreated?
It's tempting to ignore a small cavity, especially if it isn't painful yet. But untreated decay can lead to:
- A dental abscess (a painful, infected pocket of pus)
- Damage that spreads to nearby teeth
- Tooth loss, which affects your bite, appearance and confidence
- In rare but serious cases, an infection that spreads beyond the tooth
If you're in pain right now, Robinhood Dental Practice offers same-day emergency appointments, seven days a week — call 0121 744 1484 or book online.
Preventing Cavities: Practical Tips
- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks between meals — sipping tea, coffee or soft drinks throughout the day is one of the biggest hidden causes of decay
- Chew sugar-free gum after meals to boost saliva flow, which naturally helps protect enamel
- Book a hygiene appointment every six months to remove plaque and tartar buildup before it causes damage
- Ask us about fissure sealants for children's back teeth, which protect the grooves most prone to decay
FAQ
Can a cavity heal on its own?
Very early-stage decay (before a hole has actually formed) can sometimes be reversed with fluoride and improved brushing. Once an actual cavity has formed, it cannot heal itself and needs a filling.
How much does a filling cost?
It depends on the material. At Robinhood Dental Practice, fillings start from £80 for Glass Ionomer, £150 for Amalgam, and £175 for Composite (tooth-coloured). We'll recommend the right option based on the location and size of the cavity.
How long does a filling last?
Most fillings last 10–15 years with good oral hygiene, though this varies by material and location in the mouth. We'll check your fillings at every routine visit.
Does getting a filling hurt?
No — we use local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure itself. Most patients feel mild sensitivity for a day or two afterwards.
How often should I have a dental check-up?
We generally recommend a check-up every six months, though your dentist may suggest more frequent visits if you're at higher risk of decay.
I have a toothache right now — can I be seen today?
Yes. Robinhood Dental Practice offers same-day emergency appointments, open seven days a week. Call 0121 744 1484 or book online.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don't let a small cavity turn into a bigger problem. Whether you need a routine check-up or you're in pain right now, the team at Robinhood Dental Practice is here to help — Birmingham's trusted local dentist for over 20 years.
Book Online | Call 0121 744 1484 | WhatsApp: 0782 783 4763
