Cavities
Cavities (caries) develop when there is plaque on the teeth. Factors such as eating habits and drinking (soft) drinks play a role, and it is not just about what you eat, but mainly how often you eat during the day: the number of eating and drinking moments.
How caries develops
The early development of caries is generally painless. In enamel it takes a long time for caries to spread, because enamel is a hard and dense material. Every time you eat or drink something, bacteria in the plaque convert the sugars and carbohydrates in the food into acid. This creates an acid attack that can affect the enamel, causing cavities. If the caries process continues, the deeper dentine is affected. Dentine is much softer than enamel, so caries can spread much faster there.
Recognising caries
Not every groove or pit in a tooth or molar is a cavity. The same applies to dark discolourations or whitish spots on the teeth. However, they can be signs of early or advanced caries. Pain only develops with advanced caries in the dentine. By visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups, cavities can be detected at an early stage and pain can be prevented.
Preventing caries
Good oral care helps prevent cavities. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a toothbrush with a small brush head and soft bristles. Electric toothbrushes are an effective way to remove plaque: the brush makes the brushing movement for you, so you can concentrate on positioning the brush head.
You can also use additional aids, such as toothpicks, floss or interdental brushes. Ask the dentist or dental hygienist which aid is most suitable for you and where in your mouth to use it.
Limit the number of eating and drinking moments to an average of seven times a day: three main meals and four snacks. This allows the saliva in your mouth to help protect your teeth. Regular check-ups at the dentist also remain very important.
Early cavities can recover through good brushing with fluoride toothpaste and the use of fluoride applied by the dentist.
Treating caries
To fill cavities, a dentist can choose from a number of different filling materials, for example composite or porcelain. This choice can depend on the location and visibility of the filling, but also on durability and the patient's preference.
How much does this treatment cost?
A look inside the practice
Patient experiences
Our patients' experiences
Our team
“We are a driven group of talented care providers. We understand that a healthy, pain-free mouth and fresh smile have a huge impact on your quality of life and appearance.”
Frequently asked questions
Can you heal cavities yourself?
In the case of an early cavity, it is possible to reverse it by brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
How long can you walk around with a cavity?
We advise you not to walk around with a cavity for too long, to prevent it from getting bigger, which can also cause more pain.
What does tooth decay look like?
You can recognise an early cavity by dark discolouration and white spots. Small pits or black grooves can also be a sign.
Getting here
Loef Mondzorg
Our dental practice at Weena 91 is easy to reach, right in the centre of Rotterdam and within walking distance of Rotterdam Central Station. Thanks to this central location, the practice is easily accessible by public transport: several train, metro, tram and bus lines stop close to the Weena, including metro lines B, D and E. From Rotterdam Central Station you will be at the practice within a few minutes, making it ideal for residents of Rotterdam as well as patients from surrounding towns.
The practice is also easy to reach by car via the main roads into the city centre, with parking facilities nearby. This means Loef Mondzorg combines a central location with excellent accessibility, both by public transport and by car.
Rotterdam City Centre location
- Weena 91, 3013 CH Rotterdam
- 010 200 4815
- info@loefmondzorg.nl
- KVK 82679282
Opening hours Open now · today until 17:00
- Monday 08:00 – 17:00
- Tuesday 08:00 – 21:00
- Wednesday 08:00 – 17:00
- Thursday 08:00 – 17:00
- Friday 08:00 – 17:00
- Saturday 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday Closed
Also open on Tuesday evenings until 21:00 — easy to combine your visit with work.
Register
Register as a new patient
Our team of dedicated care providers knows how important a healthy, pain-free mouth and a radiant smile are for your quality of life and self-confidence. Curious about our practice? Register and come and visit us. We are happy to guide you through the world of dental care and explain everything clearly with helpful instruction videos.
Emergencies
Do you urgently need a dentist in Rotterdam? Call us directly on the emergency number below and we will help you the same day with acute complaints and emergencies. 010 200 4815
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Open now · today until 17:00