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.
Stage 1: Demineralization
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.
How to spot stage one tooth decay
- White spots on your teeth
- Slight discoloration
What Causes it
- Poor oral hygiene
- Sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Lack of fluoride
How to Treat it
- Improve your oral hygiene practices (brushing twice daily, flossing)
- Use Fluoride treatments
- Reduce sugar intake
At this stage, decay can often be reversed with proper care.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay
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.
How to spot stage two tooth decay
- Light brown spots on teeth
- Increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
What Causes it
- Continued poor oral hygiene
- Frequent snacking on sugary foods
How to treat it
- Dental fillings
- Improve your oral care routine
- Make changes to your dietary habits
Read this blog to learn how to protect your teeth enamel from erosion
Stage 3: Dentin Decay
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.
How to spot stage three tooth decay
- Darker brown spots on teeth
- Toothache or pain when biting
- Increased sensitivity
What Causes it
- Untreated enamel decay
- Continued poor oral hygiene
Learn more about causes of tooth decay
How to treat it
- Larger fillings
- Possible crown placement
- Root canal therapy (in advanced cases)
Stage 4: Pulp Damage
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.
How to spot stage four tooth decay
- Severe toothache
- Swelling around the affected tooth
- Sensitivity to temperature changes
What Causes it
- Untreated dentin decay
- Trauma to the tooth
How to treat it
- Root canal therapy
- Crown placement
Stage 5: Abscess Formation
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.
How to spot stage five tooth decay
- Severe pain
- Facial swelling
- Fever
- Bad taste in the mouth
What Causes it
- Untreated pulp damage
- Spread of infection
How to treat it
- Root canal therapy or tooth extraction
- Antibiotics for infection
- Possible oral surgery
Tips to Prevent Tooth Decay
Remember, the best treatment for tooth decay is prevention. Here are some tips to keep your teeth healthy
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Limit sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Use a fluoride mouthwash
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
Learn more tips for healthy teeth and gums
Book a Dental Appointment Today
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.
