Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsStagesSymptomsDiagnosisCauses and Risk FactorsTreatmentOutlook and PreventionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Stages
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Causes and Risk Factors
Treatment
Outlook and Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in the mouth produce acids that attack theenamel, or protective outer layer of the tooth. If left untreated, tooth decay could lead to gum disease, cavities, and possibly tooth loss.
Unfortunately, tooth decay is very prevalent in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 4 adults have untreated tooth decay.Knowing the signs and symptoms of tooth decay can lead to treatment to restore healthy teeth and gums. It’s also crucial to learn how to maintain good oral hygiene to ward off tooth decay.
This article will discuss the causes and risk factors of tooth decay, signs and symptoms, stages, and how tooth decay is treated.
Tooth Decay Stages
Tooth decay doesn’t happen immediately. Instead, it occurs over time in a series of stages due to poor oral hygiene.
Stage 1: White Spots of Demineralization in Enamel
As acidsbreak down the tooth’s enamel, white spots may start to appear on the tooth as a result of the minerals lost in the process. If the enamel is repaired at this point, the white spots could disappear as the tooth regains lost minerals.
Stage 2: Cavity Formation and Enamel Decay
Stage 3: Dentin Decay
Underneath the enamel, thedentincovers the pulp at the center of the tooth. Because it’s softer than enamel, dentin typically decays much faster than enamel does. Once tooth decay moves into the dentin, it’s important to get treatment right away or the tooth decay will move into the center of the tooth.
Stage 4: Damage to Pulp
Inside the tooth is soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels; this is called thepulp. Once tooth decay spreads to the pulp, it is likely that it will require root canal treatment. The patient may be referred to a specialist known as an endodontist to receive this treatment.
Stage 5: Infection, Abscess, and Gum Disease
Once tooth decay reaches the pulp, it evolves into a full infection that affects the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth and can move into the jawbone and other teeth. This could lead to anabscess, or a pus pocket. If not treated, the tooth could die.
How to Ease Tooth Pain From a Cavity
Tooth Decay Symptoms
Tooth decay has few or no signs at the beginning stages, which is why regular check-ups are important. Tooth decay symptoms include:
When to See a DentistIf you are in between regular dental check-ups and notice any signs of tooth decay or start to experience any tooth decay symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam. The sooner your dentist can identify any signs of tooth decay, the sooner you can start treatment, which can prevent more serious tooth decay in the future.
When to See a Dentist
If you are in between regular dental check-ups and notice any signs of tooth decay or start to experience any tooth decay symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist for an exam. The sooner your dentist can identify any signs of tooth decay, the sooner you can start treatment, which can prevent more serious tooth decay in the future.
During a dental exam, your dentist will look for any white or brown spots on the tooth as well as any soft or sticky areas that indicate weakened enamel. If necessary, your dentist also may take an X-ray to look for areas of tooth decay that may not be readily apparent.
Why Does You Dentist Need to Take Dental X-Rays?
There are a number of causes and risk factors that could lead to tooth decay.
Treatment for tooth decay varies based on how far the tooth decay has progressed. Treatments include:
What to Expect During a Root Canal
If tooth decay is treated early, it can prevent serious oral hygiene problems. Taking steps to prevent tooth decay is the best defense for protecting your teeth.
Outlook
In most cases, tooth decay can be readily treated. Of course, the earlier it is diagnosed and treated, the better for preventing more serious complications of tooth decay.
Prevention
There are a number of options for preventing tooth decay:
Facts You Should Know About Your Oral Health
Summary
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria and acids attack the tooth’s enamel and could lead to more serious dental problems if not treated early on. Many factors can contribute to tooth decay, such as the location of the teeth, diet, age, eating disorders, heartburn, general oral hygiene, and more. Symptoms of tooth decay include tooth sensitivity, pain or discomfort, white or brown spots on the teeth, and bad breath.
There are many treatments for tooth decay, which vary based on how far the decay has progressed. They can range from fluoride treatments to removal of the tooth.
A Word From Verywell
Oral hygiene often gets overlooked, but it’s an important part of our overall health. As such, taking care of your teeth and gums is necessary in order to avoid tooth decay. Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and eating a healthy diet can help keep teeth healthy.
If you have any concerns that you have may have tooth decay, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for an exam. The earlier tooth decay is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.
Frequently Asked QuestionsYes, you can reverse tooth decay with proper and timely treatment.It depends on how severe the tooth decay is. The early stages could be treated with dental cleaning and fluoride treatments. As it progresses, you may need a dental filling, root canal, or extraction to fully eliminate tooth decay.If you are in the early stages of tooth decay, you can brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use a fluoride mouth rinse to help remove tooth decay and rebuild tooth enamel.Learn MoreWhich Mouthwash Is Best for You?
Yes, you can reverse tooth decay with proper and timely treatment.
It depends on how severe the tooth decay is. The early stages could be treated with dental cleaning and fluoride treatments. As it progresses, you may need a dental filling, root canal, or extraction to fully eliminate tooth decay.
If you are in the early stages of tooth decay, you can brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use a fluoride mouth rinse to help remove tooth decay and rebuild tooth enamel.Learn MoreWhich Mouthwash Is Best for You?
If you are in the early stages of tooth decay, you can brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use a fluoride mouth rinse to help remove tooth decay and rebuild tooth enamel.
Learn MoreWhich Mouthwash Is Best for You?
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Oral health tips for adults.
Ctvrtlik R, Tomastik C.Tooth wear - fundamental mechanisms and diagnosis.IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences.2016;15(5):84-91. doi:10.9790/0853-1505088491
MedlinePlus.Tooth decay.
Marchesan JT, Byrd KM, Moss K, et al.Flossing is associated with improved oral health in older adults.J Dent Res. 2020;99(9):1047-1053. doi:10.1177/0022034520916151
National Eating Disorders Association.Dental complications of eating disorders.
American Dental Association. MouthHealthy.How fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay.
American Dental Association. MouthHealthy.Tooth decay.
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