Woman with perfect teeth getting a checkup to prevent tooth decay

Tooth Decay - Signs, Treatment & Prevention

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

Tooth decay is a common oral care concern that bothers many. It affects people of all ages, whether young or elderly. Decay of teeth often goes unnoticed until there is a sudden pain when you chew food or drink anything hot or cold. In that stage, it has probably developed into a hole or cavity that requires prompt treatment.

Keep reading to understand what causes decayed or rotten teeth. Learn the symptoms to look for if you suspect you have tooth decay, and discover the various treatment options and preventive tips to protect your healthy smile.

What Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the erosion of the hard outer surface of teeth (tooth enamel). It often results from the action of harmful bacteria in the mouth. The enamel weakens, leading to dental caries (cavities or holes) in the teeth. If not treated, it results in pain, infection and even tooth loss. Treating and reversing dental decay in the early stages prevents these problems.

The risk factors and common causes of tooth decay include:

  • Poor oral hygiene: Lack of regular brushing, flossing and rinsing.

  • Plaque buildup: A sticky, colourless film of bacteria and food debris that forms on teeth and the gumline. It builds up if not removed with daily oral care.

  • Sugary diet: Frequent snacking on sugary drinks and food leaves residues that stick to the teeth and feed harmful bacteria.

  • Poor saliva flow: Saliva supplies nutrients that help repair enamel damage. Its inadequate flow in the mouth or dry mouth can occur due to dehydration or certain medications.

Dental plaque contains harmful bacteria that feed on sugary residues sticking to the teeth. They release acids that erode the tooth enamel. Poor oral hygiene and frequent snacking promote plaque buildup, worsening the problem. Left unchecked, these factors allow the decay to progress to dental cavities. Understanding these common tooth decay causes can help you improve your oral care regimen.

Signs of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay usually does not show signs in the early stages. However, as it progresses to more advanced stages, it starts to show more visible signs. When it turns to a cavity, the hole may house harmful bacteria, promoting infections. At this stage, rotten teeth will show obvious signs, including tooth pain and other discomfort. 

You may want to watch out for the following stages and symptoms of tooth decay:

  • Enamel Erosion: The decay process begins as bacterial acids erode the enamel. It loses essential minerals and becomes weak. You may notice white spots on the surfaces of your teeth. The earliest stage of decay is reversible with timely treatment.

  • Enamel Decay: As the decay progresses, dental caries or cavities develop on the teeth. The white spots may turn brown or dark. This damage is irreversible and demands a quick dental visit to stop the cavities from progressing.

  • Dentine Decay: Decay affects the dentine layer beneath the enamel. It contains tiny tubules that reach the tooth pulp. Damage at this stage causes toothache when chewing and sensitivity to hot, sweet or cold foods. You may notice visible pits or larger holes in teeth.

  • Damaged Pulp: As the decay reaches the tooth pulp, which has nerves and blood vessels, it causes swelling. You may experience pain, a build-up of pressure and a pocket of pus around the affected tooth. Persistent foul breath and a bad taste in the mouth are among other signs.

  • Tooth Abscess: In the final stage, bacteria infect the pulp, causing pus-filled abscesses. This results in severe pain that spreads to other parts of the face, like jaws and cheeks. Among other symptoms, you may notice facial swellings and fever. The infection can affect the adjacent soft tissues in the mouth if not treated.

Tooth Decay Treatment

Timely treatment of dental decay avoids damage to teeth and tooth loss. If you are wondering how to get rid of tooth decay, the first step is to improve your oral hygiene and ensure you receive regular dental checkups. This helps detect and stop decay in the early stages. A dental visit is crucial if you notice serious tooth decay symptoms like tooth pain or swelling. Your dentist may diagnose the condition using X-ray and suggest the right treatment. It may vary based on the severity or extent of the decay and can include:

  • Fluoride Treatment: In the initial stage of decay, the enamel is weakened. You may notice white spots on the tooth surface. The damage is reversible to prevent dental caries from developing. A dentist may suggest topical fluoride treatments like varnish to strengthen and protect the enamel. Sometimes, a protective plastic coating called dental sealant is applied to the chewing surface of the molars (back teeth).

  • Dental Fillings: Used when the decay has progressed. The white spots on teeth may have turned dark, indicating a tooth cavity. While it is not reversible, prompt treatment can prevent it from worsening. The dentist clears off the decayed portion and fills the cavity. Composite resin or amalgam is often used as a filling material. This tooth decay treatment suffices to treat smaller cavities.

  • Crown: Used when a large portion of the tooth is damaged. The decay affects the dentine below the enamel. You may feel a sudden pain or tooth sensitivity while eating cold, sour or hot foods. The dentist places a filling after removing the decayed part. For a large cavity or weak tooth structure, a crown is fixed to cover the treated tooth. The crown is often made of metal, porcelain or a combination of both.

  • Root Canal Treatment: Dental decay treatment that is used when the decay has reached the tooth roots or pulp. You may notice swellings, pressure and pain around the affected tooth. Bad odour and taste in the mouth is likely. To treat it, the dentist removes the damaged or infected pulp. The cavity is disinfected and sealed with a material to resist further infection. A crown is fitted over the tooth to protect and restore its function.

  • Tooth Extraction: This is needed when the decay causes severe infection. As it affects the tooth pulp and blood vessels, tooth abscesses (pus-filled pockets) may develop. Among other signs, there may be swellings in the jaws or cheek and pain that radiates to other parts of the face. The infection can easily spread to the jawbone. It is often treated by draining the abscess and extracting the affected tooth to stop the spread. The dentist may suggest the use of antibiotic medicines.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay prevention is better than facing elaborate treatments later. This requires tackling the main culprit: poor oral hygiene. It promotes the causes of caries or tooth decay further, damaging teeth and infecting the adjacent soft tissues. Proactive care to prevent cavities helps avoid complications and keeps your smile healthy for longer. It includes enhancing your oral hygiene, eating habits and lifestyle. Here are some useful tips to consider:

  • Good Oral Hygiene: It helps to fight the root causes of dental decay. Brush regularly, twice a day, using fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Clean between the teeth once daily, using dental floss or an interdental brush to remove hidden plaque. Rinse with antibacterial mouthwash to wash away germs and plaque residue.

  • Use of Fluoride: Fluoride helps protect the teeth from decay and cavities. Fluoride intake through fluoridated tap water helps develop stronger teeth. In young children, it helps resist baby bottle tooth decay and cavities in primary and permanent teeth. While using fluoride toothpaste for daily brushing is essential, fluoride mouth rinses offer added protection to teeth.

  • Regular Dental Visits: They are crucial for good oral health care. A dental hygienist can provide cleanings to remove plaque deposits missed by your daily oral care, keeping your gums and teeth healthy. A dentist can also catch and treat early signs of tooth decay or cavity before it gets worse.

  • Dietary Changes: Opt for a healthy, nutritious diet that supports oral health. Avoid snacking on sugary food or drinks that feed harmful bacteria in the mouth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after eating carb-loaded or starchy food to remove residues. Staying hydrated also allows for adequate saliva levels that promote enamel health.

  • Lifestyle: Make healthy choices that support your oral and overall health. Consider quitting smoking and the use of tobacco, as they can promote various oral health problems.

Tooth decay is a problem faced by many and can be prevented with proactive care. Good oral hygiene, plus regular dental checkups, is key to reversing its early signs. Treating cavities early on is crucial to prevent them from worsening. Visiting a dentist for proper treatment saves you from pain and potential tooth loss. Daily oral care, regular dental visits, and a healthy diet and lifestyle help prevent dental issues and let you maintain a healthy smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can tooth decay be fixed?
    Yes, tooth decay can be fixed based on how severe it is. Fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and good oral hygiene help reverse the early stages of tooth decay. Once cavities form, treatments like fillings, crowns, or root canal treatment can help save the tooth. In severe cases, the damaged tooth may have to be extracted to avoid complications. Regular dental checkups help catch and treat the decay early, avoiding potential tooth loss.

  2. What are the 5 stages of tooth decay?
    The initial stages involve the weakening of the enamel, causing white spots on the tooth surface. If not treated, the enamel decays, forming cavities in the next stage. The decay then spreads to the underlying dentine layer, causing sensitivity. In the next stage, it affects the pulp, leading to pain and swelling. Finally, a severe infection may cause a pus-filled tooth abscess and swelling on the face. Treating decay early on prevents these complications.

  3. How do you remove tooth decay yourself?
    Removing tooth decay requires the help of a dental professional. But, you can prevent it in the first place by practising good oral hygiene. This includes daily brushing using fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. It is also vital to limit sugary food and drinks that promote decay. Regular dental visits can help detect dental decay in its initial stages and reverse it through proper treatments.

  4. How do you know if your teeth are decaying?
    Dental decay may not show visible signs in the initial stages. However, as it progresses, you may notice pain and sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods. Cavities show up as visible holes or dark spots. You may also notice persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. In severe cases, there may be swelling or pus around a tooth and pain spreading across the face. Regular dental checkups and a good oral care routine help avoid these issues.