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Symptoms of tooth decay appear differently for different individuals, depending on the extent of severity and respective stage. You may experience pain, swollen lymph, loose tooth, and many more. In this blog, we will understand each of these stages, with special implications on treatment approaches and preventive tips.

About plaque and tooth decay

Tooth decay is nothing but damaged tooth, primarily caused due to plaque and underlying infections. When left untreated for long, it can potentially lead to cavities, dental abscesses and even tooth loss.

Plaque is a sticky, slightly yellowish film that covers the outer dental surface. Made up of bacteria, stuck food remnants and saliva, plaque can accumulate over time and harden into tartar. This presence of tartar speeds up the process of tooth decay even more. The bacteria in your mouth feed onto the sugars present in food and convert them into organic acids. With time, these acids slowly erode away your tooth enamel, making your teeth vulnerable to decay. Also, improper cleaning of teeth is another major contributor to dental decay; hence, it is crucial to maintain proper oral hygiene.

Stages of tooth decay: Explained

Tooth decay happens in five main stages and below is a detailed explanation of each:  

Stage 1: Initial demineralisation

The outermost layer of your teeth is composed of a special type of tissue known as enamel. It is regarded as the hardest substance in the body and is mostly made up of minerals. However, despite this, it is prone to erosion, upon constantly being exposed to bacterial acids. During the initial dental decay process, you will likely see a white spot over your teeth surface. It is the area of mineral loss.

Stage 2: Enamel decay

If not intervened on time, the process of tooth decay will continue to aggravate, and lead to further breakdown of the enamel. The initially appearing white spot will turn into something brownish. With this gradual weakening of enamel, you may develop small holes in your teeth shortly. These are called as cavities or dental caries, and can necessitate a quick emergency dental visit.

Stage 3: Dentin decay

Dentin is the tissue that lies just below the enamel. It is comparatively soft, making it even more sensitive to acidic action. Moreover, the dentin has connective tubes leading to the innermost layer called the ‘pulp’. Due to this, you may notice that when the dentin is affected by tooth decay, you start experiencing heightened sensitivity (especially having extremely hot or cold foods).

Stage 4: Pulp damage

The pulp is the innermost dental layer, containing sensitive nerves and blood vessels that keep the tooth healthy. Thus, when damage is inflicted to this pulp region, serious complications will arise. You may experience severe swelling and pain at this time.

Stage 5: Abscess

Advanced dental decay can cause bacteria to invade into the deepest tooth layer, causing infections. Increased inflammation in the tooth leads to the formation of a pus pocket forming at the bottom of the tooth. This is known as a dental abscess.  

Untreated tooth abscesses result in excruciating pain that may radiate into the jaw. Some other symptoms involve swollen gums, fever, etc. A tooth abscess needs prompt treatment, for the infection can spread into your jawbone and other areas like the head and neck; inducing more invasive procedures.

Treatments available

• Initial demineralization

This is beneficial in the early stages of tooth decay and can be achieved with fluoride treatment. The process involves application of a fluoride gel or varnish over the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to the acids produced by oral bacteria. 

• Dental filling

Advanced enamel decay can lead to cavity formation; and a dental filling is the best way to treat it. During the process, the dentist will utilise a special equipment to clear away decayed areas of the enamel. Then, a filling material, such as, ceramic, resin or dental amalgam is used to fill the gaps. This is completed by placing a crown that fits well over the tooth.

• Root canal treatment (RCT)

When the tooth decay has already reached the pulp, getting RCT is the best solution. In this process, the damaged pulp is eliminated by suction force and the tooth cavity is cleaned from within. After that, a filling material is used to fill in the gap and is completed with crown placement.  

Preventive ways to adopt

Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential for avoiding tooth decay. Here are several methods you can use to prevent your teeth from being harmed by tooth decay.

• Visit your dentist consistently: Your dentist can assist in detecting and addressing tooth decay before it escalates. Make it a point to visit your dentist periodically for regular teeth cleanings and dental check-ups.
  
• Clean your teeth: It’s usually advised to clean your teeth a minimum of twice, especially after meals. You must also start using toothpaste that contains fluoride.
  
• Restrict sugary foods: Avoid items or beverages that contain large quantities of sugar, such as, sweets, biscuits, carbonated drinks, etc.
  
• Consume tap water: The majority of tap water has fluoride, which aids in strengthening your enamel and safeguarding it against decay.
  
• Limit snacking: Try to cut down on snacks between meals, since this can provide mouth bacteria with additional sugars to turn into acids.
  
• Know about sealants: Sealants are a thin layer of plastic that is placed on the surfaces of your rear teeth (molars). Molars play a crucial role in chewing, yet food particles may become ensnared in their grooves. A sealant protects the molar’s surface, stopping this from occurring.

When to visit a dentist?

In the initial stages of tooth decay, you might not notice any symptoms. That’s why frequent appointments with your dentist are essential. Dr. Andreia Phipps at South Kensington MD can assist in recognising and tackling the early signs of tooth decay before they escalate.

Schedule a visit with your dentist if you feel tooth sensitivity, have tooth pain, or notice swelling in or around your mouth. These could indicate the advanced stages of tooth decay or another dental issue that requires care.

Conclusion

Tooth decay may seem minor, but they are often a sign of something more serious. The good news is that with early intervention, it can be treated and completely cured.  treatable and even reversible. By visiting a private emergency dentist in London, you can restore your dental health and preserve it for the long term.