Stages of Tooth Decay – Kimberly A. Rosen DDS

The mouth is one of the unique parts of the body. Among the hardest substances in the world is the enamel that protects and strengthens your teeth. The mouth can remain strong and healthy for a lifetime with proper care and treatment.
However,  there are some cases where teeth begin to decay. In most cases, this is the result of poor oral hygiene at home, not visiting the dentist regularly, or adhering to unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, or eating foods high in sugar and acid.
The importance of maintaining good dental health cannot be overstated. Poor dental care can have adverse effects on your overall health. Aside from that, the inflammation that occurs when tooth decay begins can exacerbate other health problems, such as heart disease. To ensure you get the correct treatment and help you reverse tooth decay, you need to understand the various stages.
Following are the five stages of tooth decay:
1.Initial Demineralization : The bacteria that produces plaque build up acids on your teeth, causing them to decay. As the enamel loses minerals, white spots will appear on your teeth. Early signs of tooth decay can be seen in these spots.
2.Enamel Decay : In this stage of tooth decay, the white spots turn brown. A cavity is forming on these teeth due to the new shade. In time, these spots will turn into holes in the teeth that will eventually need to be filled in by a dentist.
3. Dentin Decay : At this stage of tooth decay, tooth sensitivity becomes more prevalent. Under the protective enamel layer lies the dentin of the teeth. When the enamel demineralizes, exposing the dentin, extreme sensitivity will result. The dentin is associated with sensory nerves, which may cause discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold foods.
4.Pulp Damage : A tooth’s pulp is located at its center. Your teeth’s nerves and blood vessels are located here, as well as the part of the tooth protected in the center. Inflammation, swelling, and irritation will occur once the pulp is damaged. Inevitably, this will result in pain and discomfort.
5. Tooth Abscess : If every layer of the tooth has decayed completely, tooth decay has reached its final stage. As a result, pus will often accumulate at the base of your tooth, causing an infection to set in. There is a good chance that this infection will be in your gums, causing a tooth abscess. As a result, the face, jaw, and lymph nodes will experience severe pain and irritation. A  root canal  or tooth extraction are the only option when this stage has been reached in tooth decay.
If you have any questions , please feel free to call the office of Kimberly A. Rosen, DDS @ (661)255-2545.