Skip to content
Home » Tooth Decay Stages

Tooth Decay Stages

Tooth decay refers to the an injury that affects the teeth of your mouth, and could result in tooth decay and dental abscesses and even loss of teeth. It’s caused by the action of certain bacteria that reside in the dental plaque.

The plaque-forming bacteria transform the sugars within your meals into acid. If plaque continues to accumulate over time, the acids may begin to cause damage to your teeth.

This is why maintaining good oral hygiene is an important component of the prevention of tooth decay.

The process of tooth decay takes place in many stages. In the following article, we’ll look at each stage and discuss the ways to treat tooth decay and offer ways to avoid the development of tooth decay.

Plaque on your teeth is essential in the process of tooth decay. Plaque is a non-colored hard film, that is a sticky substance which coats the surface that your teeth touch. It’s composed of food particles, bacteria as well as saliva.

If your teeth aren’t kept clean frequently, plaque may start to accumulate. It may also become hardened over time, creating something known as tartar. A tartar-like substance may assist in defending bacteria and make them harder to eliminate.

The general rule is that the five phases in tooth decay. Let’s look at them in more depth in the following paragraphs.

Stage 1: Initial demineralization

The tooth’s outer layer is comprised of a particular kind of tissue known as enamel. It is the most durable tissue that you have in your body. It is predominantly composed of minerals.

But, when teeth are exposed to the acids created by bacteria that cause plaque the enamel begins to shed the minerals.

If this happens it is possible to see the appearance of a white spot on your teeth. The area of loss of minerals is the first sign of tooth decay.

Stage 2: Enamel decay

In the event that the tooth’s decay is allowed to go on the enamel will begin to break down even more. It is possible to notice the tooth with a white spot gets darker and becomes brown.

When enamel becomes weak as it ages, tiny holes in your teeth , referred to as dental caries, also known as cavities may develop. Cavities need to be treated by your dentist.

Stage 3: Dentin decay

Dentin is the layer of tissue that is beneath the enamel. It is softer than enamel which makes it more prone to the effects of acid. Due to this, tooth decay progresses more quickly when it is in the dentin.

Dentin also has tubes that connect to the nerves that are present in the tooth. Due to this, if dentin becomes damaged due to tooth decay, one could be experiencing sensitiveness. It is possible to notice this when you consume cold or hot beverages or food.

Stage 4 Damage to the Pulp

It is also the smallest portion of your teeth. It is home to nerves and blood vessels that help keep your teeth healthy. The nerves that are present within the pulp also provide sensory stimulation to the tooth.

If damage to the pulp occurs, it can be inflamed and begin to grow. Because the tissues around the tooth aren’t able to expand enough to take in this swelling, pressure can be placed on nerves. This could cause pain.

Stage 5 Stage 5: Abscess

When tooth decay progresses to the pulp area, bacteria could enter and create an infection. Inflammation in the tooth may result in an abscess that forms in the lower part of your tooth. This is known as an abscess.

Abscesses of the tooth may cause extreme pain that could radiate into your jaw. Other signs that could be present are swelling of jaw, gums or face as well as fever and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.

An abscess in the tooth requires urgent treatment, since the infection may spread to the jaw bones and also other areas of your neck and head. In some instances the treatment might involve the removal of the tooth affected.

The method of treatment recommended for tooth decay may be based on the stage of decay. Let’s look at the various options for treatment depending on the stage in tooth decay.

Initial demineralization

The earliest period of tooth decay could be reversed before permanent damage develops. This can be accomplished through the treatment of the teeth with fluoride.

It is possible to receive an appointment for a fluoride treatment in the dentist’s office. The treatment is usually put on the teeth as a form of a varnish or gel. Fluoride strengthens enamel, which makes stronger and more resistant acids that plaque bacteria produce.

It is also present in a variety of toothpastes, and is typically present in the tap water. A little over 74 percent Americans who get their water from a municipal water system are provided with fluorinated water.

Enamel decay

As tooth decay progresses to this stage, there are usually cavities present. Fillings are utilized to treat tooth decay.

If you need to fill a hole the dentist will employ a device to clean off any decay-related areas. The dentist will then fill the gap using a substance such as ceramic, resin, as well as dental amalgam. This is typically similar to your tooth.

Dentin decay

Since dentin is less brittle than enamel, dentin decay progresses at a quicker rate at the stage. If detected early, the decay could be treated with an injection. In more severe cases, the use of a crown could be necessary.

The crown can be described as a cover of the upper of your teeth above the gums (also known as the crown of your tooth). The tooth’s decayed portion is removed prior to when the crown is put in place. Healthy tooth tissue could be removed in order to make sure the crown is a perfectly to the tooth.

Pulp damage

If you have tooth decay that has affected the pulp it’s likely that you’ll require the aid of a root canal. A root canal is the pulp that is damaged is extracted. The tooth cavity then cleaned and filled. A crown is then placed on the tooth affected.

Abscess

If you have an abscess that has developed within your tooth the dentist will do a root canal in order to treat the tooth to seal off the affected tooth. In extreme cases the tooth affected may require complete removal.

Antibiotics are also used to heal abscesses. They are drugs which eliminate bacteria.

The practice of maintaining a clean and healthy mouth is a crucial aspect of the prevention of tooth decay. Here are some tips you can use to keep your teeth safe caused by tooth decay.

Make sure to visit your dentist regularly Your dentist can assist you to detect and treat tooth decay prior to it getting worse. You should visit your dentist on a regular basis for regular dental cleanings and oral examinations.
Make sure you brush your teeth regularly: It’s recommended to take your time to brush at least two times every day, and also after meals. Use a fluorinated toothpaste.
Avoid sweets: Avoid drinking or eating foods that contain a an excessive amount of sugar. Examples include candy and cookies as well as soft drinks.
Drinking drinking water straight from the faucet The majority of tap water is fluoride-rich which helps maintain the strength of your enamel and help protect your enamel from decay.
Avoid snacking: Try to limit snacks between meals since this may cause the bacteria that live in your mouth additional sugars that they can convert into acids.
Ask about sealants The sealants are a light layer of plastic that is placed on the front teeth (molars). Molars are crucial to chew, however food particles can become trapped in their grooves. A sealant protects the molar’s surface to prevent this from occurring.

If decay in your teeth is at an early stage there is a chance that you will not notice any signs. That’s why frequent visits to the dentist are essential. Your dentist will be able in identifying and addressing the initial stage of tooth decay prior to them beginning to become worse.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist if there is tooth sensitiveness, tooth pain or swelling within your mouth. These could be indications of the advanced phases of decay, or other dental issues that require care.

Dental decay causes tooth decay because of the actions of the bacteria in the dental plaque. The bacteria convert sugars in your food into acids which could then cause damage to teeth.

Five stages to tooth decay. The first stage is usually not reversible, however later stages may be permanent and cause damage to the affected tooth.

The treatment of tooth decay is contingent on the stage it’s at. A few examples of treatments that could be considered include fillings with fluoride, fluoride treatments or root canals.

There are steps you can follow to keep your teeth healthy and free of decay. It is important to brush your teeth at minimum two times each day, staying away from sweets, and making sure you visit your dentist on a regular basis.