Tooth decay is a prevalent dental health problem caused by damage to tooth enamel from build-up of plaque bacteria. Left untreated, it leads to cavities, pain, and discomfort. Understanding tooth decay stages helps you avoid further damage. Read this guide to learn more about the stages of tooth decay and how to prevent it.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay occurs when the enamel, the tooth’s outer hard layer, gets damaged due to the build-up of plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that forms on teeth from food particles and bacteria. Without proper oral hygiene it will lead to:
The bacteria in plaque feed on starches and sugars, producing acids.
The acids erode the enamel, forming dental caries or cavities.
Frequent snacking on sugary foods prolongs exposure of teeth to acid, increasing risk of decay.
Untreated cavities worsen over time, leading to pain and sensitivity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov), tooth decay affects people of all ages, including children, teenagers, and adults. In children, it can manifest in the form of baby bottle tooth decay. Additionally, receding gums can expose tooth roots to acids, leading to root decay.
Stages of Tooth Decay
Typically, tooth decay starts small, unnoticeable spots on the outer tooth enamel. Early tooth decay can be reversed if detected, but once it worsens, cavities form and visible symptoms appear. Advanced tooth decay may require extensive treatments or tooth extraction. Knowing the various tooth decay stages helps you take timely action. They include:
Initial Demineralization
The early stage tooth decay involves the weakening of tooth enamel. As the plaque builds up, the bacteria release acids that erode the enamel. Although saliva restores lost minerals, such as calcium, frequent acid exposure, together with poor oral hygiene will cause the decay to progress.
Damage at this stage is reversible to prevent the formation of dental caries. It will require proper dental hygiene to remove plaque and prevent its build-up. A dental professional may recommend:
Topical fluoride treatments to strengthen the enamel
Use dental sealants, especially for molars (back teeth)
Enamel Decay
As tooth decay advances, white spots on the tooth enamel turn brown, indicating dental caries have formed. At this stage, the damage is irreversible, and visible cavities form. If you notice a cavity, it is critical to consult a dentist r to prevent further damage.
Treatment varies depending on the cavity’s size and location. Typically, dental fillings are used to treat smaller cavities by removing them. Then, the cavity is filled with ceramic, gold, resin, or silver amalgam. When a large portion of the tooth is affected, it may need a tooth cap or crown to cover.
Dentin Decay
When it reaches the dentin, the softer layer under the enamel, decay progression is faster. Dentin contains tiny tubules that reach the tooth’s center and is more vulnerable to acid attack, causing tooth sensitivity. You may experience sudden pain when consuming cold, hot, or sweet foods.
At this stage, treatment involves dental fillings. First, the decayed part of the tooth is removed. Then, the cavity is sealed using a composite resin or amalgam. In cases where the cavity is large or the tooth is weak, a crown may be used to cover the tooth.
Damaged Pulp
If tooth decay reaches the tooth pulp, which is the layer below dentin and contains nerves and blood vessels, it starts to swell, causing a build-up of pressure and pain. Eventually, the damaged pulp shows the following symptoms:
Swelling around the affected tooth
Change in tooth color from grey to black
Tooth pain and sensitivity and pain
Visible dark pits as the decay worsens
Bad odor in the tooth
Bad taste in the mouth
A damaged cavity is typically treated using a root canal treatment. In this procedure, the dentist removes the damaged pulp, disinfects the area, and seals the cavity with a special material to prevent further infection. Often, a crown is placed atop to protect the tooth and restore function.
Abscess
In the last stage of tooth decay, bacteria infect the tooth pulp, leading to the formation of a dental abscess. At this stage, you may feel severe pain that radiates to the gums, jaws, and face. The American Dental Association notes other symptoms, including:
Swelling in the jaw or cheek
Sensitivity to cold, hot, and sweet foods and beverages
Fever
Bad breath
The infection can soon spread to the surrounding areas, including the jawbone, if left untreated. If you have a tooth abscess, consult a dental professional immediately. Treatment often involves draining the abscess, and extraction of the affected tooth to prevent the infection from spreading further. Antibiotic medications may also be recommended by your dentist.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Preventing tooth decay is key to maintaining healthy teeth and avoiding the need for treatment. Addressing the risk factors that make your teeth susceptible to decay is crucial; they include:
Poor oral hygiene
Over-consumption of sugary drinks and foods
Lack of enough fluoride intake
Dry mouth and insufficient saliva flow to neutralize acids that decay teeth
Smoking and tobacco use that weaken the immune system
Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of tooth decay by adapting these effective preventive measaures:
Good oral hygiene: Ideally, brush your teeth at least twice every day using fluoride toothpaste. Floss once daily or use an interdental cleaner to remove the dental plaque hidden between the teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water or mouthwash after every meal or snack.
Fluoride: Sufficient fluoride intake at an early age helps teeth resist cavities. It also makes the permanent teeth strong and healthy. Fluoride is usually consumed through fluoridated tap water supplies.
Regular dental check-ups: They help identify early signs of decay and prevent it from progressing. Dental cleanings remove plaque that escapes your daily oral care.
Preventive care: In some cases, dental professionals may recommend fluoride mouth rinse or varnish to reverse early signs of decay. They may also suggest a dental sealant, a thin coating that is applied on the chewing surfaces of teeth to resist decay.
Diet and lifestyle changes: Adopt a diet rich in nutrients and avoid excess intake of sugary foods. Quit smoking and tobacco use.
Tooth decay is an oral health topic that is of concern to many. Knowing its various stages helps you take timely action to prevent further damage and tooth loss. Sufficient intake of fluoride and professional care help resist cavities. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are crucial for oral health care. Good oral hygiene and lifestyle can help maintain a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stage of tooth decay is painful?
How long can you have a decayed tooth?
How do you know what stage of tooth decay you have?
How to stop tooth decay from spreading?
Toothache occurs and intensifies with the progress of the decay. In the early tooth decay stages, there may not be any discomfort. However, as the decay reaches the dentin and tooth pulp, sensitivity and pain increase. A severe stage of decay or tooth abscess causes intense pain and swelling.
Keeping a decayed tooth untreated can lead to various complications. Untreated decay allows cavities to form and progress deep into the teeth, damaging them significantly. Early treatment can prevent serious complications like abscesses, infections, and eventual tooth loss.
Identifying the stage of decay often needs an evaluation by a dental professional. It may involve X-rays to assess the severity of the decay. Early stage tooth decay usually occurs as white spots that are easily ignored. Symptoms, such as pain, sensitivity, and large cavities, start appearing later.
Tooth decay causes cavities, which can lead to pain and tooth loss. Treating cavities early on prevents further damage to the teeth. It also stops the decay from spreading to other teeth. Regular oral care through brushing, flossing, and dental visits is essential. Dental sealants and topical fluorides can help reverse early signs of decay.