Skip to main content
listerine.com.sg logo
  • Total Care
    Healthy White
    Total Care Zero
    Green Tea Zero
    Kids Berry Shield
    Pomelo And Passionfruit
    Cool Mint
    Cool Mint Zero
    Original
    Gum Protect
    Aloe & Cucumber
    Sakura & Peach
  • Cavities & Strong Teeth
  • Fresh Breath
  • Healthy Whitening
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • Our Sustainability
  • YOUR MOUTH COACH

HOW TEETH BECOME DAMAGED

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

9-decay-cavity-gif

3 STAGES OF TOOTH DAMAGE

decay-cavity-how-teeth-become-damaged-desktop-17

When plaque bacteria feed on sugars from food, they produce acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel and makes it weaker. If this process continues, the enamel eventually breaks and a cavity is formed.

decay-cavity-how-teeth-become-damaged-desktop-19

Once the acids wear away enamel, the acid and bacteria attack the next layer of the tooth - the dentin. When this layer of the tooth gets exposed, teeth start experiencing pain from sensitivity.

decay-cavity-how-teeth-become-damaged-desktop-23

If left untreated, this continues until the inner tooth material, or pulp, is affected. At this advanced stage, a root canal is almost always necessary.

Image
1.NON-STOP NIBBLING
1.NON-STOP NIBBLING

Constant snacking means bacteria have a steady flow of food to convert into enamel-damaging acid.

2.THE DAILY GRIND
2.THE DAILY GRIND

Teeth grinding wears down enamel and damages teeth. Mouth guards are a good solution.

3.BRUSHING IT OFF
3.BRUSHING IT OFF

Over-brushing causes damage by thinning out enamel. This makes teeth brittle and sensitive.

4.PUFF PUFF PLAGUE
4.PUFF PUFF PLAGUE

Smoking causes tooth staining and increases the risk of oral diseases.

5.BEING A TOOL
5.BEING A TOOL

For the sake of protecting your teeth, don’t open bottles and packages with them.

6.FINGER FOOD
6.FINGER FOOD

Biting nails may crack or chip tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and pain.

7.TALKING DIRTY
7.TALKING DIRTY

Poor oral hygiene leads to plaque accumulation that increases the risk of teeth-damaging cavities.

BEAT THE BACTERIA

decay-cavity-how-teeth-become-damaged-desktop 2

Content is restricted by privacy settings. Please review your cookie settings to enable access.

Common Oral Problems

Do You Have Enamel Erosion?

READ MORE

Listfeed

Avoid These 7 Things That Damage Enamel

READ MORE

FAQ

Plaque Vs. Tartar?

FIND OUT

Listfeed

Detect Cavities Early: Look for These 5 Signs

READ MORE

Listfeed

Skip These 6 Foods and Drinks That May Harm The Teeth

READ MORE

3_1_adult_cavities_tooth_truth_icon_03

92% Of Adults Have Cavities

LEARN MORE

3_1_adult_teeth_left_tooth_truth_icon_03

5 Things You Should Know About Gum Care

LEARN MORE

3_1_kid_decaying_tooth_truth_icon_03

Nearly Half Of All Kids Have Decaying Teeth By Age 11

LEARN MORE

3_1_got_cavities_03

LEARN HOW WITH YOUR MOUTH COACH

CHOOSE YOUR SOLUTIONS FOR CAVITY PREVENTION:

LISTERINE kills 99.9% of germs that brushing misses to

help prevent bad breath, reduce plaque and gum

problems.

listerine-gum-care-article-new

SEE PRODUCT

listerine-greens-tea-summary-tout

SEE PRODUCT

total-care-3

SEE PRODUCT

brand-main-banner

WHERE TO BUY

Products
  • FAQ
Company
  • About LISTERINE®
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
Legal
  • Privacy Notice
  • Legal Notice
  • Terms of Use

Use all products as directed.

© Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd. 2020 All rights reserved. This site is published by Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd., which is solely responsible for its content. This site is intended for use by residents of Singapore. This site may contain links to websites which our Privacy Notice does not apply. We encourage you to read the Privacy Notice of every website you visit.


Date Last Modified: July 02, 2026

Disclaimer: Advice on oral care provided on this site is not intended as a substitute for professional medical/dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician, dental professional, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical/dental condition.