Stages of tooth decay

Tooth decay is a common source of dental pain. When the bacteria that lives in plaque combines with residue from overly sugary or starchy foods, this forms acids that break down the enamel on the surfaces of the teeth, creating pockets of decay. In its earliest stages, tooth decay can be treated with periodic professional dental cleanings and consistent oral hygiene habits. Tooth decay has different symptoms depending on its stage. In stage one of tooth decay, as plaque builds up on the teeth and begins to deplete the calcium and other minerals the teeth are made of, white, chalky areas begin to appear on the surfaces of the teeth. As this plaque metabolizes with sugars from food and drinks, it forms acids that lead to further deterioration of tooth enamel; this process is known as demineralization. With proper treatment, such as improved brushing practices or a topical fluoride treatment, tooth decay at stage may still be reversible. Talk to your dentist to learn what treatment will work best for you. Once the enamel begins to decay, the tooth is in stage two of decay. At this stage, a lesion begins to form inside the tooth, usually because the teeth are no longer able to remineralize. If the decay persists at this stage, it may lead to the tooth breaking; if your tooth breaks, see a dentist immediately. When tooth decay progresses to stage three, it is known as dentin decay. Dentin is the layer of the tooth that is between the enamel and the pulp. If tooth decay is left untreated, eventually the lesions formed in stage two can reach the dentin layer, which may cause intense pain in the infected tooth. If enough of the dentin is weakened by bacteria and acids, this causes the dentin to collapse, which forms a cavity. At this stage, your dentist can usually restore your tooth with a dental filling.

When the pulp inside the tooth has become infected, this is stage four of tooth decay. A tooth’s pulp is the center of the tooth and is made of cells and tissues, containing blood and nerve endings. The pulp produces dentin, which is the connective layer between pulp and enamel. If the tooth’s pulp becomes infected, pus suffocates the blood vessels and nerves in the teeth, killing them. At this stage, it is likely that the teeth will be a constant source of pain. The most common treatment for stage four tooth decay is root canal therapy, a treatment wherein your dentist removes damaged, infected pulp from inside the tooth and places a crown to prevent further damage to the tooth, or replaces the tooth entirely. The final, fifth stage of tooth decay is also the most painful. When an abscess forms in the decaying tooth, infection has reached into the roots of the tooth and possibly in the bones that support the tooth. Sometimes, in the presence of dental abscess, the teeth and gums can also swell, which may lead to other complications and which may also affect your speech or ability to swallow. It is likely that oral surgery is necessary to remove the infection at this point. In stage six, the final stage of tooth decay, untreated teeth have sustained such damage that they must be extracted, or they fall out on their own.

In its earlier stages, tooth decay is an easily managed concern. The best prevention against tooth decay is a solid home care regimen. Use toothpastes and mouthwashes that contain fluoride, and brush at least twice a day. Be sure to floss daily, and consider brushing and flossing after meals as well. Try to avoid between-meal snacking, and reduce your sugar intake, both from food and from beverages. Try to drink as much water as you can, to help the mouth produce saliva and to help clean the mouth. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings is an important part of preventive care as well, so be sure to schedule and attend dental appointments every six months. The painful later stages of tooth decay can be avoided with the proper care.

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