When looking in the mirror, you may not initially see the early signs of tooth decay. What can often start as minor and subtle can quickly escalate and become quite serious. Considered to be one of the most common dental problems seen by dentists throughout the world, if caught in its early stages, it can be reversed, but it takes maintaining regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months. Read on to learn more about the stages of tooth decay and how your dentist in Jacksonville can be your ally in the fight for better oral health.
What Are the Stages of Tooth Decay?
When it comes to tooth decay, knowing what can happen and worst-case scenarios can help you to do two things: combat it and reverse it. Understanding what to look for and how to spot early signs will give you a better chance of preventing additional harm to your teeth and take back your oral health before it’s too late. So, what are the 5 stages of tooth decay? They are:
- White Spots: These small areas can easily form immediately below the enamel and are a clear indicator that demineralization of your tooth is occurring. To keep it from progressing, the best course of action is to start using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and keep a cavity from further penetrating the enamel.
- Decaying of the Enamel: Once you reach the second stage of tooth decay, there is no possibility of reversal. As the enamel erodes from the inside, the second the cavity appears on the surface of your tooth, it is necessary to talk to your dentist about a filling.
- Decaying of the Dentin: If you choose to leave your cavity untreated and the decay reaches the dentin layer, you will likely feel some pain. At this point, the only way to keep the cavity from reaching the most vulnerable and sensitive layer of your tooth (the pulp) is to have a filling put into place.
- The Cavity Reaches the Pulp: If the decay reaches the pulp, which is the innermost layer, the only way to remedy the problem is with a root canal. Individuals who need this type of treatment often experience much pain because of the infection. Fortunately, this common procedure eliminates the pain by clearing out the infection and saving the tooth from extraction.
- Abscess: If you begin to notice swelling around your face, fever, difficulty chewing, and pus pockets in the gums near the infected tooth, you are at the final stage of tooth decay – abscess formation. This occurs when the infection reaches the root and spreads to nearby tissue and bone. In the most serious cases that are not immediately treated, an abscess can be fatal. Typically, an abscess requires extraction, but it may be possible for your dentist to perform a root canal.
How Can a Dentist Help?
If any of the above-mentioned stages of tooth decay sound like a series of problems you would rather avoid, start building a relationship with your dentist today. By committing to regular six-month dental appointments, your dental team can examine your oral cavity and pinpoint any areas that may be compromised and require treatment. Identifying a cavity in its early stages is always best, but if the problem is more advanced, a filling is a much better solution than a root canal or extraction.
Don’t let your oral health take a downward turn. Make regular visits to the dentist a priority so you can keep your smile strong, beautiful, and decay-free for years to come.
About the Authors
Dr. Rose Johnson and Dr. Wayne Barker are committed to helping your smile look and feel its best. To avoid many of the common dental problems experienced by individuals throughout the United States, their team at Jacksonville Complete Dentistry offer preventive services designed to keep teeth healthy and strong. By encouraging patients to keep regular dental checkups and cleanings, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath can be eliminated. Visit our website or call (904) 645-6457 to find out how we can help you avoid unnecessary restorative care in the future.