Tooth decay refers to the damage to your teeth. It could lead to cavities dental abscesses, dental cavities, and even loss of teeth. It’s caused by the action of certain bacteria that reside within dental plaque.
The plaque-forming bacteria transform the sugars within your meals into acid. If plaque continues to accumulate over time, the acids may begin to cause damage to your teeth.
This is the reason that good oral hygiene is an important element in the prevention of tooth decay.
The process of tooth decay takes place in many stages. In this article, we’ll go over each stage and discuss the ways to treat tooth decay and provide ways to avoid the process from occurring.
Dental plaque is crucial for the decay of your teeth. Plaque is a non-colored hard film, that is a sticky substance which coats the surface that your teeth touch. It’s composed of food particles, bacteria and saliva.
If your teeth aren’t kept clean frequently, plaque may start to accumulate. It may also become hardened in time, eventually forming something known as tartar. Tartar could aid in protecting bacteria which makes them more difficult to get rid of.
In general, you can identify five different stages in tooth decay. We’ll look at them in greater depth in the following paragraphs.
Stage 1: Initial demineralization
The exterior layer of your teeth is made up of a kind of tissue known as enamel. It is the most durable tissue found in your body. It’s composed of mostly minerals.
But as teeth are exposed to the acid produced by bacteria that cause plaque enamel starts to shed the minerals.
In this case you might notice an uncolored spot appear on your teeth. The area of loss of minerals is a sign that you are experiencing tooth decay.
Stage 2: Enamel decay
In the event that the tooth’s decay is allowed to go on enamel is broken down even more. It is possible to notice the white spot on your tooth gets darker and becomes brown.
If enamel is weakening tiny gaps in your teeth, known as dental caries, or cavities may develop. Cavities need to be treated by your dentist.
Stage 3: Dentin decay
Dentin is the tissue which is located beneath enamel. It’s more brittle than enamel, which makes it more prone to harm from acid. This is why tooth decay occurs more quickly when it is in the dentin.
Dentin is also home to tubes that connect to nerves that are present in the tooth. This is why, when dentin becomes damaged due to tooth decay, one might start to feel sensitiveness. This can be noticed particularly in hot or cold beverages or food.
Stage 4 Damage to the Pulp
It is also the smallest portion of your teeth. It is home to nerves and blood vessels that aid in helping to keep your teeth healthy. The nerves that are present in the pulp also give the tooth with a sensation.
If the pulp is damaged occurs, it can be inflamed and begin to expand. Because the tissues around the tooth aren’t able to expand enough to support this swelling, pressure can be placed on nerves. This can cause pain.
Stage 5 Abcess
As tooth decay progresses through the pulp region, harmful bacteria may infiltrate and result in an infection. An increase in inflammation of the tooth may cause the formation of a pus-filled pocket in the lower part of your tooth, referred to as an abscess.
Abscesses in the teeth can be painful and can radiate to the jaw. Other signs that could be present are swelling of jaw, gums or face as well as fever and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
A tooth abscess needs urgent treatment, since the infection could spread to the jaw bone and also other areas of your neck and head. In certain cases the treatment could involve removing the tooth affected.
The recommended treatment for tooth decay will be contingent on the stage at which it is. Let’s look at the various options for treatment that are based on the progress in tooth decay.
Initial demineralization
The earliest phase of decay could actually be reversed prior to permanent damage develops. This is possible by treating the teeth using fluoride.
You can get the treatment of fluoride at the dental office of your dentist. The treatment is usually placed on your tooth as a form of a varnish or gel. Fluoride strengthens enamel, which makes stronger and more resistant acidity produced by plaque bacteria.
It is also present in various toothpastes. It is also commonly found in the tap water. A little over 74 percent Americans who receive their water from a water distribution system are provided with fluorinated water.
Enamel decay
If tooth decay reaches this stage, there are usually cavities present. Fillings are utilized to treat tooth decay.
If you need to fill a hole the dentist will make use of a tool to take out any decayed areas. They’ll then fill in the gap with a material like ceramic, resin as well as dental amalgam. This is typically identical to the color of your tooth.
Dentin decay
Since dentin is more brittle than enamel, the process of decay progresses at a quicker rate once it has reached the stage. If it is detected early, dentin decay can be treated using the use of a filler. In more severe instances, the placement of a crown could be necessary.
The crown can be described as a securing of the upper part of your teeth above the gums (also known as the crown of your tooth). The area that is decayed is removed prior to when the crown is set. The healthy tissue of your tooth may be removed to make sure that the crown is fitted perfectly to the tooth.
Pulp damage
If dental decay is affecting the pulp of your teeth, you’ll usually require the aid of a root canal. In a root canal the pulp that is damaged is extracted. The tooth cavity is cleaned and filled. A crown is then placed on the tooth affected.
Abscess
If you have an abscess that has developed within your tooth the dentist will do a root canal in order to treat the tooth to seal off the affected tooth. In extreme cases the affected tooth might require removal completely.
Antibiotics are also used to heal abscess. They’re medications which eliminate bacteria.
Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine is a crucial aspect of the prevention of tooth decay. Here are some tips you can use to keep your teeth safe caused by tooth decay.
Visit your dentist frequently Your dentist will be able in identifying and treating tooth decay before it becomes worse. You should visit your dentist frequently to get regular cleanings of your teeth and oral examinations.
Make sure you brush your teeth regularly: It’s recommended to clean your teeth at least two times each day and before meals. Use a fluorinated toothpaste.
Reduce sweets: Try to stay away from drinking or eating foods that contain a lots of sugar. Examples include candy and cookies as well as soft drinks.
Drinking your water right from the tap The majority of tap water has fluoride which helps maintain the strength of your enamel and help protect the enamel against decay.
Beware of snacking: Try to limit snacks between meals because this could allow the bacteria that live in your mouth more sugars to turn into acids.
Ask about sealants They are a fine layer of plastic that is placed on the rear teeth (molars). Molars are crucial for chewing, however food particles may also become trapped in their grooves. A sealant is applied to the molar’s surface and prevents this from occurring.
If decay in your teeth is at an early stage it is possible that you do not experience any signs. That’s why frequent visits to the dentist are essential. Your dentist can assist you in identifying and addressing the beginning stage of tooth decay prior to them beginning to become worse.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist if there is tooth discomfort, tooth sensitivity or swelling the mouth area. These could be indications of the final stage of tooth decay, or other dental issues that require care.
The process of tooth decay causes tooth decay because of the actions of the bacteria in the dental plaque. The bacteria convert sugars in your diet into acids, which then cause damage to teeth.
Five stages to tooth decay. The first stage is usually not reversible, however later stages may result in permanent harm to a damaged tooth.
The treatment of tooth decay is contingent on the stage it’s at. Examples of possible treatments include fillings with fluoride, fluoride treatments as well as root canals.
There are steps you can take to keep your teeth healthy and free of decay. This includes things like brushing your teeth at minimum two times each day, staying away from sweet foods, and being sure you visit your dentist on a regular basis.
