Stages of Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is a highly prevalent dental condition among adults in the United States. Fortunately, the condition is relatively painless until it becomes more advanced. Unfortunately, because there is little pain, tooth decay can be hard to identify. Decay happens when acids created by bacteria in the mouth attack the teeth and cause the enamel of the tooth to break down. If tooth decay is caught early it can be prevented because the condition slowly progresses over time. Here is more information on the stages of tooth decay to help you identify if you have signs of decay and need to see your dentist.

Stage 1: White Spots Appear

The first sign and stage of tooth decay is when white spots start to appear on the surface of the tooth. These spots are caused by loss of calcium and the build-up of plaque. Sugar from food feeds the bacteria in the plaque creating acids that attack the outer surface of the tooth, the enamel. Reversing tooth decay at this stage is possible with proper treatment. Daily brushing and flossing and a dental cleaning to remove plaque is a good place to start. Adding a fluoride toothpaste or a topical fluoride treatment can help too.

Stage Two: Enamel Decay

When the plaque on the teeth is left untreated, tooth decay progresses into the second stage. In this phase, the enamel starts breaking due to the weakening caused by the bacteria and acids attacking the enamel. As the decay persists, the teeth become weak and susceptible to breaking and may even result in the development of a cavity.

Stage Three: Dentin Decay

Once the enamel is weakened, tooth decay has advanced to dentin decay. The dentin is the part of the tooth below the tough enamel exterior. Once decay advances to the dentin, the tooth may start to ache and pain may become more severe in the infected tooth. When dentin decay advances, a hole or crack in the tooth may be created, also known as a cavity. Dental cavities are permanent damage to the teeth. At this point, a dental filling treatment is required to restore the tooth.

Stage Four: The Pulp Is At Risk

The pulp is the soft tissue in the center of the tooth. If the pulp of a tooth gets infected with bacteria, pus will form that kills the tooth’s blood vessels and nerves. When tooth decay advances to this stage of allowing the pulp to be at risk, it becomes very high risk, resulting in the potential loss of the tooth. An infected tooth is painful, resulting in a severe toothache. The common treatment for an infected tooth is a root canal.

Stage Five: Abscess Formation

The last and most severe advanced stage of tooth decay is when an abscess forms in the tooth. The abscess is the result of severe untreated infection in the tooth. Once this infection reaches the root the tooth, the jawbone is in danger too. If you have decay that has resulted in an abscess you need immediate treatment. Not getting immediate treatment may result in the loss of the tooth and increases the risk of losing other teeth or getting a severe infection in the bone.

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