{"id":103,"date":"2019-05-07T16:22:03","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T16:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.theoakbrookdentist.com\/blog\/?p=103"},"modified":"2019-06-07T16:22:18","modified_gmt":"2019-06-07T16:22:18","slug":"stages-tooth-decay-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.theoakbrookdentist.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/07\/stages-tooth-decay-2\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Stages of Tooth Decay: The Road to Lost Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomanTooth decay is extremely common; in fact, a 2012 study by the National Center for Health Statistics found that 91% of adults ages 20 to 64 had at least one cavity. Unfortunately, this is more than just a minor annoyance; if left unchecked, a hole in your tooth can lead to even greater damage \u2013 and the result could ultimately be a gap in your smile. Here\u2019s what you need to know about the five stages of tooth decay and why it\u2019s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. White Spots on Your Tooth<\/h2>\n

Bacteria on your teeth will feed on sugar and secrete acid, wearing away at the surface. During the earliest stages of decay, chalky white spots appear on the tooth, indicating a buildup of bacteria-filled plaque that can weaken the enamel. Fortunately, at this early stage the decay is often reversible; your dentist can suggest an appropriate treatment such as topical fluoride or improvements in brushing technique.<\/p>\n

2. Enamel Decay<\/h2>\n

The second stage of decay is when lesions form in the outer enamel layer. Normally, remineralization allows your teeth to repair themselves, but if the bacteria break through the enamel\u2019s surface, the damage can\u2019t be healed naturally, and there\u2019s a danger that it could cause a permanent crack.<\/p>\n

3. Dentin Decay<\/h2>\n

If left unchecked, decay-causing bacteria will quickly reach the dentin layer underneath the enamel. You may notice a sharp pain in the affected tooth at this point. The weakened enamel will collapse, creating a cavity; it will need to be cleaned and filled by a dentist.<\/p>\n

4. Pulp Infection<\/h2>\n

The innermost layer of living tissue and cells in the tooth is called the pulp; it becomes infected once bacteria move past the dentin layer. A persistent toothache is a common symptom of decay that has reached this point. To halt the infection, root canal therapy may be required to remove the pulp.<\/p>\n

5. Abscessed Tooth<\/h2>\n

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth. At this point, there\u2019s a risk of the infection spreading to the jawbone; you may also experience swelling in the tongue or gums. The abscess will need to be drained to avoid further complications. If the damage has advanced too far for a root canal or a filling to save the tooth, it will be lost and need to be removed altogether.<\/p>\n

Tooth decay can progress from its different stages quickly; the longer it goes unaddressed, the worse it will become. To avoid this, it\u2019s important to visit your dentist<\/a> twice a year for cleaning as well as advice on how to get the most out of your oral hygiene routine. If you notice pain or discolored spots on your tooth, make an appointment as soon as possible; it could make all the difference in saving a tooth.<\/p>\n

About the Practice<\/h3>\n

At OakBrook Dental and Orthodontics, Drs. Nathan Coughlin, Christine Coughlin, and Manhvu Nguyen combine their expertise to help patients of all ages. They provide regular preventive checkups to help patients maintain oral health and offer services such as root canal therapy to help save teeth that are badly decayed. To schedule an appointment, visit their website<\/a> or call (469) 526-4040.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tooth decay is extremely common; in fact, a 2012 study by the National Center for Health Statistics found that 91% of adults ages 20 to 64 had at least one cavity. Unfortunately, this is more than just a minor annoyance; if left unchecked, a hole in your tooth can lead to even greater damage \u2013 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nStages of Tooth Decay in McKinney | OakBrook Dental and Orthodontics<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How can you tell if your teeth are in trouble? 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