Tooth Decay Stages

Ever wonder why your dentist and hygienist constantly promote practices and products to prevent plaque buildup on your teeth? The reason is simple: Tooth decay begins with plaque, a thin film of bacteria that continuously builds up on the teeth.

1. If not stopped, plaque, or biofilm, plays havoc with your mouth in an ever-evolving manner:

2. Plaque bacteria combine with sugar to produce acids in your mouth.

3. If allowed to accumulate, the acids gradually damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

If you don't treat the cavities, decay worsens over time. And more advanced tooth decay stages require more extensive treatments.

If plaque gets a toehold, be aware of the various stages of tooth decay. Even better, learn how you can join your dentist and hygienist in stopping plaque and tooth decay.

Tooth Decay Stages

There are five stages of tooth decay that contribute to cavities. These include:

Stage 1: Demineralization 

This is the first sign of tooth decay that shows up on the surface of the tooth (enamel). Tooth enamel is made up mostly of minerals. When teeth are exposed to acids produced by plaque bacteria, the enamel begins to lose these minerals and wears away. This loss of minerals and enamel wear is referred to as demineralization. Signs of this include white spots on one or more teeth. 

Stage 2: Enamel Decay 

If tooth decay isn’t stopped then it will continue to further erode the enamel. White spots may darken to a brownish color and small holes called cavities can form. Cavities will need to be filled by your dentist.

Stage 3: Dentin Decay

Dentin is the tissue beneath the enamel. It’s softer than enamel and is damaged more easily by acids. Once decay reaches the dentin it may progress at a quicker rate. The dentin also contains tubes that connect to the nerves of the tooth. When this part of the tooth is affected, it can cause increased sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks. 

Stage 4: Pulp Damage

The pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels that help nourish teeth. When the pulp is damaged, it may become irritated and start to swell. This pressure may be placed on the nerves and cause pain. If the roots of the tooth are affected, a root canal or tooth extraction might be necessary.

Stage 5: Abscess

As tooth decay advances into the pulp, bacteria can invade and cause an infection and may lead to an abscess (a pocket of pus forming at the bottom of your tooth.) Tooth abscesses can cause severe pain that may radiate into the jaw. Other symptoms of this type of infection include swelling of the gums, face or jaw, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck. This type of infection can lead to tooth loss or spread to surrounding teeth and bones, resulting in widespread infection. It is serious and must receive immediate treatment.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

The best way to prevent tooth decay is through good oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice daily and use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride can help remineralize and strengthen teeth.
Before you develop a cavity at this early stage, it’s possible to stop or reverse tooth decay. To accomplish this, your dentist might recommend treatments to:

✓ Make the tooth enamel stronger with a product such as topical fluoride.

✓ Protect the teeth with a product such as sealants.

Since early tooth decay might not have any symptoms, detection can only happen during a dental checkup. That's why it's important to schedule regular dentist visits.

If you don't seek treatment promptly for tooth decay, you might experience stages that require more intensive dental work, increased sensitivity, pain, and worse.

However, depending on what point your teeth are in a decay stage, there might be treatments available.

Articles are reviewed by Dr. Mahvelati, an orthodontic specialist. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.