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October 11th, 2024
Are you concerned about the health of your teeth? Tooth decay is a common problem affecting many adults, but understanding the different stages, signs, and causes can help you catch and treat it early. In this article, you will learn about the 5 stages of tooth decay in adults and its causes, signs, and treatment.
Demineralization is the earliest stage of tooth decay, where tooth enamel—the hardest substance in your body—begins to lose minerals. This process occurs when acids from plaque bacteria start to eat away at the enamel’s mineral content. Think of it as the first tiny cracks in a strong fortress wall. Your teeth might look perfectly fine, but they are unhealthy inside.
At this stage, decay can often be reversed with proper care.
In this stage, the enamel, which is the visible, white part of your teeth, starts to break down. This process creates small holes or cavities in your tooth’s surface. Since the enamel doesn’t contain any nerve endings, you might not feel pain at this stage. But if you visit a dentist routinely, you can catch it early.
Read this blog to learn how to protect your teeth enamel from erosion
The dentin is softer and less resistant to acid than enamel, so decay progresses faster here. This layer has tiny tubes that communicate with the nerve of the tooth, which is why you start to feel increased sensitivity and pain at this stage.
Learn more about causes of tooth decay
The pulp is the living heart of your tooth, containing blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. When decay reaches this stage, it’s like an infection reaching a vital organ. The bacterial invasion causes the pulp to become inflamed and infected. This inflammation puts pressure on the nerve endings, causing often severe pain.
This is the final and most severe stage of tooth decay. If the infection in the pulp is left untreated, it can spread beyond the roots of the tooth into the surrounding tissues. An abscess forms when pus collects at the tip of the tooth’s root. If left unchecked, the infection can spread to your jaw, face, and even other parts of your body.
Remember, the best treatment for tooth decay is prevention. Here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy
Learn more tips for healthy teeth and gums
Tooth decay can progress quickly, especially if left untreated. If you’re experiencing any signs of tooth decay, or it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, book your dental appointment today.
Call us at 866-CWW-4-YOU(866-299-4968) or click the button below to schedule your appointment online.
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