5 Stages of Tooth Decay

Bacterial activity in your mouth may lead to tooth decay. The bacteria generate acids that convert sugar compounds into acids. The acids will then react with the calcium in the tooth and destroy the tooth structure. If you don't seek treatment early enough, you can experience tooth loss or a dental abscess. 



Tooth decay doesn't happen overnight. Know about the stages of tooth decay.

1. Initial Demineralization

Tooth decay starts when your teeth begin to lose minerals. The loss of minerals is due to bacteria in food and drinks. Generally, the bacteria will remove phosphate and calcium from your teeth.

Your body may reverse mineral loss through remineralization. In this case, your body filters minerals from the saliva and deposits the minerals on your teeth's enamel. However, if the mineral loss is faster than mineral replacement, you'll develop cavities. Fortunately, diet changes, fluoride treatments, and some sweeteners can accelerate remineralization.

2. Enamel Decay

Enamel is the hard, exterior layer of a tooth. This layer is the strongest section of the human body and protrudes above the gums. The enamel shields your teeth from harmful chemicals and extreme heat or cold.

Several things can cause the enamel to erode or break away completely. The main culprit is foods with excessive amounts of sugar. Other causes of enamel erosion are low saliva concentration in the amount, alcohol consumption, and certain medications.

Multiple treatments can reverse or prevent enamel erosion. Tooth bonding is one such treatment that can safeguard the enamel and boost teeth's appearance. Other treatment options include veneers and crowns.

3. Dentin Decay

The dentin is the second layer after the enamel from the tooth's surface. This layer is not as strong as the enamel, but the dentin bolsters the tooth structure. In addition, the dentin layer hosts nerve endings that detect pain and other stimuli. 

Enamel erosion will expose the dentin layer to pressure, extreme temperatures, and other factors. The exposure may occur due to teeth grinding that reduces the width of your enamel. If teeth grinding is to blame, you can use orthodontic treatment to protect the dentin. Another possible solution is to apply a mouth guard before you go to bed.

4. Pulp Damage

If the dentin also erodes, the decay will reach the pulp layer. This layer encompasses blood vessels and nerves. Unlike the dentin and enamel, the pulp is weak and prone to damage and infection. 

Pulp decay may lead to inflammation of the surrounding gums. Sensitivity to cold, heat, and certain foods may also accompany pulp damage. Other pulp damage symptoms include bad breath and fever. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, reach out to a dentist immediately. You can also floss more often, switch to fluoride toothpaste, and drink more water.

5. Abscess

An abscess is the last stage of tooth decay. By this stage, the bacterial infection has eaten away most of your tooth, and pus has started to form on the gum. The result is a severe and never-ending toothache. Furthermore, a fever will kick in, and your face may start to swell. 

If you have a tooth abscess, see a dentist immediately. The dentist will diagnose the problem and perform the appropriate treatment, such as tooth removal. Without timely treatment, the bacteria will attack the gums, jaws, and other parts of the head. 

Dental health is important to overall body health and wellbeing. Thus, make regular visits to the dentist's office. If you are in Mooresville or Statesville, Calm Waters Dentistry is at your service. We treat all dental problems with the utmost care and attention to detail. Contact us to schedule an appointment.