Stages of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a teeth ailment that worsens progressively over a period of time. Being one of the most common ailments that afflicts many in India, in this article let us address the causes of tooth decay and analyze how the ailment progresses.

Causes

Here are the key reasons which result in tooth decay:

• Consuming food items that accentuate the formation of plaque: Food items such as ice creams, cool drinks & cookies cause plaque which further damage the teeth via tooth decay.
• Poor dental habits.
• Dry mouth.
• Eating disorders.
• Proliferation of plaque attacks if left untreated.

Having understood the causes behind tooth decay, here are the various stages of tooth decay:

Stage 1: The formation of white/brown spots in your teeth

The lack of calcium & the presence of plaque in the mouth causes white/brown spots to proliferate. This proliferation of plaque results in the erosion of the outermost layer of the teeth, enamel. This stage can be detected with the help of regular dental checkups and can be reversed via early detection.

This stage is typically painless and hence it is vital that you frequently check your teeth for white spots/brown spots.

Stage 2: Erosion of teeth enamel

The erosion of tooth enamel is caused by bacteria during the second stage. At this stage, the process is hard to reverse naturally. You may or may not feel pain during the erosion of enamel. If you see any visible damage in your teeth or if any of your teeth breaks, it is then important that you consider a dentist as soon as possible.

Stage 3: Decay of dentine

In the third stage, the tooth erosion occurs in dentine, a porous layer in your oral region. It is common to experience discomfort and pain during this stage. Your dentist may remove the affected dentine when he/she is consulted at this stage. He/she then replaces the damaged structure with a dental crown, filling or onlay/inlay.

Stage 4: Decay of pulp

In this stage, you will be in need of a root canal treatment. The bacteria affects the pulp that is present in the oral region. Made up of living tissues and blood vessels, the proliferation of bacteria causes grave danger to your pulp at this stage.

Stage 5 : Formation of Abscess

This is the last and final stage of tooth decay. The formation of abscess results in a lot of pain that affects the root of the teeth. Your gums, tongue and bone also might get affected seriously and your tongue & gums may show symptoms such as swelling. Urgent medical care is needed at this stage failure which you may risk losing your teeth.

Tips to prevent tooth decay

Here is how you can avoid the onset of tooth decay:

• Proper good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly.
• Drink lots of water, especially before and after meals.
• Avoid consumption of foods that may increase the risk of formation of plaque.
• Undertake regular dental checkups.
• Regularly gargle your mouth with salt water/mouthwash after meals.