• Stages of Tooth Decay

    tooth_structure4A tooth has three layers.

    The hard outer layer is called enamel, the middle layer is called dentin and the center of the tooth is called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.

     

    Tooth decay is the damage or destruction of a tooth.  This is caused by plaque, a clear, sticky substance, which is always forming on your teeth and gums.  It contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the food you eat.  As the bacteria feed, they make acids.  The acid attack your teeth.  Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel and can lead to a hole in the tooth called a cavity.  If not treated, tooth decay can cause pain, infection and tooth loss.

    What Are The Stages Of Tooth Decay?

    Stage One: Healthy Tooth with Plaque

    Healthy Tooth With Plaque
    The first stage of tooth decay involves the appearance of yellowish spots or chalky white areas on the surface of the tooth.  This is plaque.  Tooth decay is still reversible at this point with proper treatment.

     

    Stage Two: Decay in Enamel

    Decay in Enamel

    During this stage, the tooth enamel starts breaking below the surface layer, with the surface still intact.  If the decay persists, the surface of the tooth will be broken and this damage is irreversible.  At this stage, your tooth needs to be cleaned and filled by your dentist.

     

    Stage Three: Decay in Dentin

    Decay in Dentin

    In this stage, the decay progresses beyond the enamel into the dentin.  At this juncture, your dentist can still restore the affected tooth with a filing or a crown.  The pain level also starts to intensify.  It is critical that you visit your dentist to receive the proper treatment.

     

     

    Stage Four: Decay in Pulp

    Decay in Pulp

    During this stage, the pulp of the tooth gets infected due to the bacteria.  This infection causes the blood vessels and nerves in the pulp to die.

    If this goes untreated, the infection can reach the root tips.  The bones around the tooth can also get infected causing severe pain.  There may be visible swelling on the cheeks and along the affected side.  Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics and painkillers.

    At this stage, root canal therapy or removal of the infected tooth are the only options.

    What are the symptoms of tooth decay?

    • White, gray, brown or black spots on your teeth
    • A toothache (pain may come and go)
    • Swelling in your gums
    • Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

     

    How can you prevent tooth decay?

    • Take good care of your teeth.  Brush twice a day and use fluoride toothpaste.
    • See your dentist regularly for checkups so problems can be found before they get serious.
    • Don’t snack before bedtime.  Food left on the teeth overnight is more likely to cause cavities.
    • Avoid foods that have a lot of sugar or are sticky.  The longer sugar is in contact with your teeth, the more damage it will do.

     

    If you have children, you might consider these additional tips:

    • To help prevent tooth decay, don’t put your baby to bed with a bottle of milk, formula or juice.
    • Keep your children away from tobacco smoke.
    • Talk to your dentist about fluoride supplements (if your water doesn’t have enough fluoride) and sealants to help protect your child’s teeth from decay.

     

    It is important to remember that tooth decay is easily preventable.  By having good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, early symptoms of tooth decay can be spotted and repaired before the damage becomes irreversible.

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