Okemos, Lansing and East Lansing Michigan
Tooth decay affects nearly half of all children in the U.S. by their eighth birthday and nearly 90% of adults have had at least one cavity. Tooth decay is one of the most widespread diseases in our country, yet it is preventable in many cases. However, if ignored, a tiny cavity slowly progresses into a large amount of decay that can completely destroy a tooth and its neighboring teeth. Today on our blog, learn how cavities start small and end with big consequences as our family dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, deep dives into facts about tooth decay.
Stage 1: Demineralization
There are several stages of tooth decay, beginning with demineralization, a process in which minerals from your saliva slowly erode dental enamel causing white spot formation. These spots are hardly noticeable or may make your teeth look splotchy. Everyone has oral bacteria and some of the bacteria is harmful as it secrets acids onto your teeth, forming a sticky substance called plaque. Daily brushing and flossing remove plaque but what’s left behind or neglected entirely, hardens and turns into tartar buildup. Tartar can only be removed with professional dental cleanings. Left on your teeth, tartar harbors bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
Stage 2: Decay
As time passes and your oral health is neglected, the demineralized spots turn brown or gray in color, and eventually create a small hole in your tooth as a cavity forms. At this stage, most people would not notice the discoloration and are not likely to experience any discomfort or tooth sensitivity. However, the cavity slowly progresses as the hole becomes larger and darker.
Stage 3: Decay Deepens to the Dentin
The dentin layer of teeth is protected by enamel (the outermost surface of teeth). But as decay deepens and the cavity becomes larger, it begins decaying the dentin layer. This layer is known to be more sensitive than enamel, especially once the enamel layer has worn thin or is decayed. At this phase of the cavity, you may experience slight tooth sensitivity or zings of pain.
Stage 4: Pulp Infection
Inside the tooth’s inner chamber is the pulp, which is the blood supply and nerves to the tooth. Once decay and bacteria enter the tooth’s chamber, significant pain that is either throbbing constantly or comes and goes is likely. If tooth decay reaches this point, it requires professional dental care.
Stage 5: Abscess
At this point, the decay is severe enough to cause a chronic infection known as an abscess. Abscessed teeth can be deadly as area forms an infection that causes swelling, heat, and severe pain. If not treated in a timely manner, an abscess could travel to the brain or heart, posing significant health problems. An abscessed tooth requires professional dental care like a root canal or extraction, depending on the case.
Family Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan
Preventing cavities starts by adopting a regimented daily oral hygiene routine, as well as seeing a family dentist near you in Okemos twice a year for cleanings and checkups. We can spot cavities in their earliest stage and administer treatment before it worsens and becomes severe. To learn more about family dental care at Tenaglia Smiles, please call (517) 347-6733.