A major percentage of people in India suffer from various dental problems. One such condition is tooth decay. It is a breakdown of the outer layer of a tooth, known as enamel. This condition is caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acid, damaging the enamel.
Advanced tooth decay can lead to cavities, which result in holes in the teeth. Hence, it is crucial to determine the stages of tooth decay in order to avoid further tooth damage and ensure good oral health.
Let's understand the stages of tooth decay, typical symptoms, causes, and effective treatment.
Discussed below are the five main stages of tooth decay:
Step 1: Initial Demineralization
The surface layer of your teeth consists of enamel, the hardest tissue in your body, which is made up of minerals. When your teeth come into contact with acids from bacteria found in plaque, the enamel begins to lose these minerals. This loss can cause a white spot on a tooth, which is an early sign of tooth decay.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay
If the decay of the tooth continues, the enamel will continue to weaken. The white spot can turn brownish in colour, and small holes called cavities or dental caries can form, which need to be filled by a dentist.
Stage 3: Dentin Decay
Under the enamel is dentin, which is a softer and acid-susceptible tissue. Dentin has very small tubes that lead into the nerves of the tooth. So, when dentin is infected by the decay, one may experience sensitivity, particularly when eating hot or cold foods and beverages.
Stage 4: Pulp Damage
The pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth. It contains the nerves and blood vessels responsible for maintaining tooth health and providing sensation. If the pulp becomes damaged, it may become inflamed and start swelling.
Stage 5: Abscess
As decay continues into the pulp, bacteria can travel in and initiate an infection. This increased inflammation can result in the creation of a pus sac at the tip of the tooth’s root, which is called an abscess.
Dental abscesses are very painful and will often radiate pain into the jaw. A tooth abscess must be treated immediately, as the infection can spread to the jawbone and other parts of the head and neck.
Tooth decay on the exterior layer of enamel usually does not cause pain or apparent symptoms. They tend to arise when the decay goes beyond the enamel to the dentin and pulp. Here are some common signs of this condition:
● Bad breath or an unpleasant sensation in the mouth
● Bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease
● Tooth Sensitivity
● Facial swelling
● Pain or intense discomfort upon eating sweet, hot, or cold foods and liquids
● Toothache
● Holes or pits visible on the teeth
● Brown, black, or white stains on any tooth surface
There are several reasons that can lead to tooth decay and other associated dental issues. These include:
Some common treatment methods utilized for tooth decay include:
Identifying the phases of tooth decay and getting proper treatment at an early stage can ensure proper maintenance of oral health. Visiting the dentist periodically, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining proper oral hygiene can help avoid the risk of tooth decay.
Apart from taking care of your dental health, consider availing yourself of a comprehensive health insurance policy from Star Health. You can get financial coverage for dental treatments as well as other medical conditions, thus safeguarding both your health and finances.
Check out our policies today!
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