Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among adults and children. According to the World Health Organization, dental caries (cavities) is the most common non-contagious disease. In fact, the majority of adults have experienced some degree of tooth decay in their lives. There’s no way to completely prevent it from occurring, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. To help you understand how tooth decay develops and what actions you should take if you think you’re at risk, here is a breakdown of the five stages of tooth decay and how you can treat each one differently to prevent damage to enamel.
What is tooth decay?
Tooth decay is a process in which bacteria break down the tooth’s surface and create acid that damages tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth. If tooth enamel is damaged, tooth decay can progress to the tooth’s dentin (the next layer under the enamel), which can eventually lead to tooth loss. The first sign of tooth decay is usually discoloration of the tooth surface. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress from surface damage to loss of tooth structure and lead to serious health problems, including tissue and bone loss, tooth loss, and systemic infections.
Stages of Tooth Decay
Tooth decay typically starts with the formation of plaque, a sticky film composed of bacteria, sugars, and minerals. Plaque can form on teeth in as little as 20 minutes. When left alone, plaque can harden into tartar and cause cavities. Proper brushing and flossing can remove plague. However, tartar eliminated by a Dentist. If plaque and tartar aren’t removed, they can cause tooth decay by releasing harmful acids that break down tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can progress through five stages:
- Discolouration
- Surface Cracks
- Loss of Tissue
- Infection and Abscess Formation
- Tooth Loss
Root Cause of Tooth Decay
Dental caries, more commonly known as tooth decay, is caused by bacteria that live in your mouth and thrive on sugars found in food and drink. If left untreated, the bacteria will break down the tooth’s surface and create acids that damage tooth enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth.
The first sign of tooth decay is usually discoloration of the tooth surface. If left untreated, tooth decay can progress from surface damage to loss of tooth structure and lead to serious health problems, including tissue and bone loss, tooth loss, and systemic infections.
Stage 1: Discolouration
Discolouration is the first visible sign of tooth decay. It usually occurs on the tooth’s surface and can range from slight to severe. If tooth decay progresses, it can cause the tooth surface to crumble, resulting in a dark appearance as the fragments are absorbed back into the tooth.
Stage 2: Surface Cracks
As tooth decay progresses, it can cause the tooth’s surface to crack. Cracks in the tooth’s is sign that you need a treatment, as they can quickly lead more advanced tooth decay. There are chances that if the tooth’s surface may be cracked and decaying the decay might have reached the tooth’s rot.
Stage 3: Loss of Tissue
If tooth decay progresses to the tooth’s dentin, it can cause tissue loss. Tooth decay that has progressed to the dentin is considered advanced, and you should seek treatment as soon as possible. This can further complicate by spreading to other teeth. Tissue loss can lead to exposed tooth roots, which increases your risk of infection and may eventually require tooth extraction.
Stage 4: Infection and Abscess Formation
If tooth decay has progressed to the tooth’s root and the surrounding tissue, it can lead to infection. Infection can result in abscess, which is painful and serious infection that can cause the surrounding bone to break down. The infection and resulting pressure can also force the tooth out of its socket, which can lead to tooth loss.
Stage 5: Tooth Loss
tooth decay and tooth decay-related infections aren’t treated, they can lead to tooth loss in the worst cases. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can eventually spread to other teeth, which can further complicate the situation. If left untreated, the bacteria produced by tooth decay can spread to the rest of your body and cause serious health problems, including infections in organs such as the lungs, heart, and kidneys.
Conclusion
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among adults and children. Although treatable its not preventable. If you experience any of the symptoms, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage. If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to serious health problems and even tooth loss. That’s why it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
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