Tooth decay is a gradual process that can severely impact your oral health if not addressed in time. At Enhance Dental Centre in High Wycombe, we help patients understand how decay progresses so they can take preventive action early. In this blog, we’ll explain the five main stages of tooth decay and offer simple ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy.
Stage 1: Demineralisation
This is the earliest stage of tooth decay, where the enamel, the outer protective layer of your tooth starts to lose essential minerals due to acid attacks from plaque and food debris. It often appears as chalky white spots on the teeth, especially near the gumline. At this point, no cavities have formed, and you may not notice any symptoms. Fortunately, demineralisation can be reversed with good oral hygiene habits, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and reducing sugar intake. Early dental check-ups can catch this stage before it progresses.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay
If demineralisation is not treated, the enamel starts to break down and a cavity (hole) forms. This is when actual tooth decay becomes visible as small brown or black spots on the tooth surface. While the enamel doesn’t contain nerves, damage in this layer may not cause pain yet, making it easy to ignore. However, untreated enamel decay will worsen over time, leading to deeper issues. A dentist can easily fill the cavity and stop the decay from spreading further.
Stage 3: Dentin Decay
Beneath the enamel lies the dentin, a softer, more sensitive layer. Once decay reaches the dentin, the damage accelerates because dentin wears down faster than enamel. At this stage, you may start to feel noticeable discomfort or tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods. The dentin contains tiny tubes that connect to the nerve of the tooth, which is why sensitivity becomes a common symptom. Timely dental treatment, such as fillings or inlays, is essential to avoid infection in the deeper layers.
Stage 4: Pulp Damage
The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth that houses the nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. When decay reaches the pulp, it leads to inflammation, swelling, and severe toothache. You might experience throbbing pain, increased sensitivity, or even swelling in the surrounding gums. At this point, the tooth’s nerve becomes infected and begins to die. A root canal treatment is typically required to clean out the infection, relieve pain, and save the tooth from extraction.
Stage 5: Abscess Formation
In the final stage, bacteria spread beyond the pulp into the roots and surrounding bone, forming a painful dental abscess. This results in swelling, pus formation, bad breath, and a high risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body. Dental abscesses are a serious medical condition and require urgent treatment. In some cases, the affected tooth may need to be extracted if the infection is too severe. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to clear the infection.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
The good news is that tooth decay is largely preventable with simple daily habits and regular dental visits. Here’s how you can protect your smile:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque between your teeth and under the gumline
- Reduce sugary and acidic food and drinks, especially between meals
- Consider fluoride treatments or sealants to strengthen teeth, especially for children
- Drink more water, especially fluoridated water, to rinse away food particles and bacteria
Book a Dental Appointment With Us
At Enhance Dental, we care about your long-term oral health. Our friendly team offers expert advice, preventive care, and tailored treatments for every stage of tooth decay. Whether you need a routine check-up or are experiencing tooth pain, we’re here to help.
Don’t wait until it’s too late — Contact Enhance Dental today to schedule your appointment and keep your teeth healthy and strong for life.