Stages of Tooth Decay

When tooth enamel begins to deteriorate, it creates pockets of decay on the surface of a tooth. Tooth decay can be very minor but can also be quite painful if left untreated. Tooth decay occurs over many stages, the earlier stages usually being reversible.

What are the stages of tooth decay?

At the start of tooth decay, chalky white spots may appear on the surface of a tooth due to plaque buildup or a loss of calcium. Bacterias in the plaque eat the sugars in the foods you can see him and eventually begin to deteriorate tooth enamel. Demineralization of a tooth may be reversible if treated in a relatively short time. Your dentist can provide professional advice for home treatments which may include incorporating fluoride toothpaste to your oral care routine, applying a topical fluoride treatment, and proper brushing and aliasing techniques.

Next, tooth enamel starts to break down beneath the surface and can cause the outer surface of the tooth to break. This stage is not reversible and requires professional attention.

The third stage of tooth decay is the decay of dentin. Dentin is part of the tooth structure between the enamel and the pulp. At this point, patients may begin to experience discomfort with cold or sugary foods and beverages. If the dentin becomes weak enough, the enamel of the tooth can cave in, leaving a cavity that can only be repaired by your Dentist.

At the fourth stage of tooth decay, bacteria and infection has made its way to the center of the tree is called the pulp. The pulp is the tissue and nerves that provide blood for flow to your tooth and keep it alive. If the decay gets this far into the tooth, most patients will require root canal therapy by an endodontist to relieve the pain.

By the fifth stage, an abscess has formed. Patients that develop an abscess may experience swelling in the gum tissue and tongue which can be very painful. An abscess has to be drained and the patient put on antibiotics to get rid of the infection.

Finally, the last stage of tooth decay is a tooth that is deemed hopeless and must be extracted. Treatment to restore the tooth may involve a dental bridge or a dental implant.

Preventing Tooth Decay

Your best line of defense against tooth decay is simply a good oral hygiene regimen. Using toothpaste and mouthwashes that have fluoride can be very beneficial to restoring minerals to your teeth. It’s also important to avoid sugary foods and to make sure that you drink an adequate amount of water every day. It is important to make sure that you keep your mouth hydrated so that you do not develop any issues related to dry mouth. And of course, always be sure to visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleaning. Patients with problematic teeth may require three or four cleanings per year.

More on Tooth Decay : Can you Fix Tooth Decay