Did you know there are five distinct stages of tooth decay? And, that in the first stage of decay, you can actually take steps to reverse the progression of the disease? That’s right. In the first stage of decay, whether you’re a child or an adult, the application of fluoride via fluoride treatments, your toothpaste, and even the local water supply can stop a cavity from penetrating through the enamel
and reaching its second stage.
Even the saliva in your mouth and the foods you eat help to re-mineralize a tooth in jeopardy. But that’s just the first stage! What about the rest? Understanding how a cavity progresses can assist you in preventing each successive stage from occurring in your own mouth. There’s a lot more going on in your mouth than you think!
Stage One: White Spots
In stage one, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from the attack of sugars and acids, and white spots will begin to materialize just below the surface of the enamel. At this stage, the cavity can be repaired without the needing to drill or fill the tooth.
These white spots are representative of the demineralization of the tooth and can be easy to miss because they’re likely to occur on your molars. A dental exam, of course, is designed to catch such cavities! Our dentists use special dental tools to examine areas of the mouth that you wouldn’t be able to see yourself.
Can you see why regular visits to the dentist are recommended?
Stage Two: Enamel Decay
Stage two marks the beginning of the end for the surface enamel that is being attacked. Initially, the tooth erodes from the underside outward, so the outer enamel will still be intact for the first half of this second stage. Once the cavity breaks through the surface of the enamel, there is no turning back, and you will need to have the cavity corrected with a filling.
You’re probably familiar with the old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!” Well, many patients like to take a similar approach… “if it ain’t hurtin’, don’t fix it!” This may sound like a logical mentality but it is actually very harmful. A lot of the time, you won’t even start feeling any pain until you’re ready for a root canal and crown, or WORSE… an extraction!
Stage Three: Dentin Decay
If a cavity in your mouth were to progress beyond stage two without you knowing, you’d tend become aware of it when it started to hit stage three because it would probably start to cause some discomfort. At this level, the cavity begins to eat away at the second level of tooth material that lies beneath the enamel: the dentin.
A filling can still be used to stop the onslaught of bacteria assaulting the tooth in order to prevent the cavity from reaching the tooth’s most critical component: the pulp.
Stage Four: Involvement of The Pulp
Once the cavity reaches the pulp, it’s going to hurt. A lot. Stage four is serious, and a root canal is the only option of treatment at this stage, save for a complete extraction.
We work with trusted, dedicated endodontists in the Hanahan and North Charleston areas to help treat more complicated root canals.
Stage Five: Abscess Formation
In the fifth and final stage of a cavity, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exited the tip of the tooth’s structure. This in turn infects the surrounding tissues and possibly the
bone structure. Swelling would be commonplace and pain severe.
In children (as well as adults) an abscess can be fatal if not dealt with immediately. A root canal or extraction would be the order of the day should decay reach this stage. We’re always available for dental emergencies if you’re having unbearable pain and swelling. Just call our offices regular phone lines at (843) 797 – 6287 (Hanahan) and (843) 767 – 6521 (North Charleston).
As you can see, cavities don’t happen overnight. In the early stages, regular visits can stall and reverse the progression of these dastardly little devils, so it really does pay to visit the dentist
at least every 6 months.