Although tooth decay is usually preventable, it remains the most widespread chronic disease affecting children and adults. Treatment of tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, ranges from conservative dental sealants to tooth extraction for severe decay.
Learn more about the stages of tooth decay and book an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today!
Stage One: Demineralized White Spots
The acids in dental plaque cause tooth decay by removing the minerals in tooth enamel. When this process of demineralization begins, it appears as a white spot on the tooth enamel. White spots cause no symptoms and are difficult to detect without regular dental exams. The good news about white spots is that you can reverse them if Trident General Dentistry finds them before the decay reaches the second stage.
Stage Two: Enamel Decay
Without a reversal of the white spot, the demineralization continues and creates a small hole or cavity in the enamel. Unfortunately, the hole stays small while the destruction beneath it spreads to create weakened enamel and a larger hole in your tooth. This damage is permanent, and the only treatment is the removal and repair of the damaged enamel.
Stage Three: Dentin Decay
Because enamel is the hardest tissue in your body it can keep decay moving slowly. However, once through the enamel, tooth decay reaches the softer dentin. Because dentin is more porous and less mineralized, decay moves quickly to destroy greater amounts of your tooth. Typically, dentin decay causes symptoms such as sensitivity to hot, cold, and air. Restoring dentin decay may require more than a dental filling. You may need a crown or onlay to save a tooth with severe dentin decay.
Stage Four: Infection of the Dental Pulp
The dentin is the final layer of hard tooth structure protecting the dental pulp, also known as the tooth nerve. As the decay gets close to the pulp, the symptoms become more severe. Once the bacteria infect the pulp, the pulp must be removed with a root canal treatment. An infected pulp can cause a throbbing toothache, extreme temperature sensitivity, and pain when chewing. A root canal treatment and dental crown can save most teeth with infected pulps. However, tooth decay may destroy so much of your tooth that you need a tooth extraction.
Stage Five: Abscess Formation
A buildup of infected pulp within the tooth can lead to an abscess or infection of the surrounding gums, bone, jaw, or face. A dental abscess requires immediate treatment and may involve a root canal treatment, tooth extraction, drainage of the infection, and antibiotics. A dental abscess can cause pain, swelling, fever, fatigue, and difficulty eating.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Here are several tips to help you prevent the stages of tooth decay.
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Brush your teeth twice daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth well enough to reach all surfaces of your teeth sufficiently. Use a gentle, circular motion to avoid damaging your teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or if you notice any fraying of the bristles.
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Brush with fluoride toothpaste. All toothbrushing removes dental plaque. The American Dental Association calls fluoride “nature’s cavity fighter” and recommends fluoride toothpaste to help prevent tooth decay.
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Floss your teeth daily. Brushing can’t clean the sides of your teeth. For this, you need to use dental floss. Several other devices can help clean between your teeth, such as interdental flossers, water flossers, and dental picks.
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Use a mouth rinse. Talk with Trident General Dentistry about using a fluoridated mouth rinse if you are at an elevated risk of tooth decay.
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Have regular dental exams and teeth cleaning. Regular oral exams can help prevent or spot early tooth decay. Professional teeth cleaning removes plaque that can cause cavities in areas that you may miss when brushing and flossing.
Schedule an Appointment
It is important to know the stages of tooth decay. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry for a thorough examination and professional teeth cleaning.