Understanding & Dealing With The 5 Stages Of Tooth Decay Stages
Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight. It’s actually a gradual process and many issues can be successfully dealt with if you catch them early and deal with them. That is why regular dental check-ups are so important.
However, you should note that, if you are looking for a new dentist, it is worth considering a holistic dentist. These dentists have the same training and qualifications as traditional dentists but they recognize that oral health and overall health are connected. This ensures the dental treatment they offer you is the best for your health.
Let’s take a look at the 5 stages of tooth decay:
- Demineralization
Your teeth are coated in a special substance called enamel. It is the hardest tissue in your body and very resistant to a wide variety of things. However, every time you eat foods with sugar in the sugar reacts with bacteria in your mouth and creates acid. This eats away at your enamel. Over time it can damage the enamel, effectively stripping it of minerals.
If you notice white spots appearing on your teeth then you’re in stage one of tooth decay and need to speak to your dentist about fluoride treatment.
- Enamel Loss
The next stage is when the demineralization gets worse and you start to lose the enamel that coats your teeth. You will no longer have white patches on your teeth, these will go a darker color. This confirms the enamel is damaged and cavities are starting to form.
Your dentist can scrape your teeth to remove any damaged tissue and then fill the holes before they cause an issue.
- Dentin Damage
If the enamel loss goes unnoticed or untreated the bacteria will start to attack the dentin. This is the tissue inside your teeth and it is much softer than enamel. Bacteria can quickly cause damage.
You’ll start to notice increased sensitivity, especially with hot and cold drinks.
If caught early this can also be treated with a clean and a filling. If not, you may need the damage removed and a crown to cover the top part of the tooth.
- Damage To Your Pulp
At the center of your tooth, you’ll find the pulp. This is where the nerves are and the blood vessels. Bacteria that make it this far can get into your bloodstream and then move around your body.
Pulp damage is generally painful as the nerves are affected. You will also notice inflammation and swelling around the area.
The most appropriate treatment for this is root canal. In essence, the damaged section of the tooth is removed and replaced.
- Abscess
If you have not had treatment for any of the above stages then the bacteria inside your pulp will cause an infection. In short, you’ll have a pocket of pus in your mouth and the area around it will swell. It will also be very painful and can even affect the strength of your bone.
You’ll need it cleaned out and the dentist is likely to try a root canal. If that isn’t successful you may need a tooth extraction.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
