Tooth decay isn’t just about cavities, it’s a gradual process that can quietly undermine your smile and comfort if left unchecked. At Lifestyle Smiles, we know how important it is to keep your teeth healthy—and we’re here to help you understand the stages of decay so you can take charge of your oral health.
Whether it’s catching early signs before they become a problem or exploring options to restore your smile, we’re dedicated to helping you protect and preserve your teeth for years to come. Let’s dive into what happens during each stage of decay and the steps you can take to keep your smile strong.
What Causes Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay starts with a layer of plaque, a sticky coating of bacteria that forms on your teeth daily. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, these bacteria use the sugars to produce acids that can wear down the protective enamel on your teeth. Without intervention, this can eventually lead to cavities and other serious dental issues.
Tooth decay is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates. When you consume sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in your mouth feed on the leftover particles and produce acids as a byproduct. These acids attack the enamel, weakening it and eventually causing cavities.
Other factors that can contribute to tooth decay include:
- Lack of fluoride: Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. A lack of fluoride can make your teeth more susceptible to cavities.
- Dry mouth: Saliva plays a crucial role in rinsing away food particles and neutralising acids in the mouth. A dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay.
- Acidic foods and drinks: Consuming acidic food and drinks can erode the enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to decay.
- Dental erosion: Erosion occurs when the enamel is worn away by things like acidic foods, tooth grinding, or acid reflux.
Why Early Detection Matters
Catching tooth decay early makes treatment easier and less invasive. Often, decay can go unnoticed until it becomes more serious, which is why regular check-ups with us are so important. Early detection allows us to treat the problem before it progresses, helping you avoid unnecessary pain and complex procedures.
Stages of Tooth Decay
Stage 1: Early Demineralisation
The first stage of tooth decay is the formation of a small brown or white mark, known as a lesion, on the enamel. These lesions are caused by the demineralisation of the enamel due to the acids produced by bacteria in plaque.
Signs of early demineralisation:
- White Spots: If you notice small white spots on your teeth, it may be a sign of mineral loss.
- Sensitivity: Some patients feel a slight sensitivity to hot or cold, although not everyone experiences this.
At this stage, the decay is still reversible, and there are no visible symptoms or pain. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for detecting these early lesions and preventing further decay. For patients with enamel lesions, we would generally recommend fluoride treatments or dental sealants to help remineralise the enamel and strengthen the tooth.
Stage 2: Enamel Decay
If demineralisation is left untreated, it can progress to the second stage, where the decay reaches the deeper layers of the enamel. At this point, the decay is visible on X-rays, and you may start experiencing sensitivity or pain when consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods.
Symptoms of enamel decay:
- Discolouration: The white spots may begin to darken slightly.
- Cavities: Small holes might appear in the enamel.
To treat enamel decay in patients, we will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill it with a dental filling. The filling material we use is generally either tooth-coloured composite resin or amalgam, depending on your needs and preferences.
Stage 3: Dentin Decay
If enamel decay is left untreated, the decay can progress to the dentine, which is the softer layer beneath the enamel. This type of decay can spread quickly due to the porous nature of dentine.
Signs of dentin decay:
- Increased Sensitivity: Hot or cold foods may cause more noticeable tooth sensitivity.
Pain: You might start to feel a dull ache in the affected tooth.
Treating dentine decay typically requires removing the decayed portion of the tooth and placing a filling. In severe cases, we might recommend a dental crown to restore your tooth’s strength and protect it from further damage.
Stage 4: Pulp Decay
Once decay progresses to the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels, pain often becomes more intense.
Symptoms of pulp decay:
- Severe Pain: Pain can become constant or feel more intense with pressure.
- Swelling or sinus tract formation: You may notice a bump/sinus tract or inflammation around the gums or the tooth.
For patients with pulp decay, we will recommend root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
During a root canal procedure, we will remove the infected pulp, clean the root canals, and seal them with a biocompatible material. Afterward, we will place a dental crown on the tooth to provide strength and protection.
Stage 5: Abscess Formation
If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to the formation of an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth.
Signs of an abscess:
- Intense Pain: Pain may radiate to the jaw or other areas of the face.
- Swelling and Fever: Swelling of the gums or face and even fever may occur.
An abscess requires urgent care to drain the pus and remove the infected tissue. In some cases, we may recommend that the tooth be extracted if the infection is severe or the tooth cannot be saved.
Treatment Options for Tooth Decay
At Lifestyle Smiles, we offer a range of treatments for tooth decay, tailored to the stage and extent of the damage. Early-stage decay is often resolved with dental fillings, while more advanced decay may require crowns or root canal treatment. In cases where the tooth can’t be saved, extraction might be the best option.
Fillings
Fillings are the most common solution for treating cavities. During the procedure, we carefully remove the decayed portion of your tooth and fill the space with a durable material like composite resin or amalgam. Composite resin fillings blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, making them ideal for visible areas. Amalgam fillings, made from a blend of metals, are exceptionally strong and well-suited for molars.
Dental Crowns
For significant decay or damage, we may recommend a dental crown. A crown is a custom-made cap that covers and restores the tooth’s shape, size, and strength. Our crowns can be made from materials such as porcelain or metal, depending on your needs. After preparing the tooth, we place the crown, providing lasting protection and functionality.
Root Canal Treatment
If decay has reached the tooth’s pulp, a root canal is often necessary to save it. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the canals, and sealing them to prevent future infection. To restore strength, we usually place a crown over the treated tooth. A root canal allows you to retain your natural tooth and avoid extraction.
Tooth Extraction
In severe cases where decay has compromised the tooth, extraction may be the safest option. This procedure involves removing the affected tooth from the jawbone. After extraction, we’ll discuss replacement options, like dental implants or bridges, to help restore your smile and maintain oral function.
Preventing Tooth Decay
Prevention is always better than treatment. At Lifestyle Smiles, we encourage our patients to take a proactive approach to oral health through simple yet effective habits.
Practising Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing are essential for preventing decay. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss once a day, and consider an antimicrobial mouthwash for extra bacteria control. These habits go a long way in keeping your teeth healthy.
Limiting Sugar and Starch Intake
Your diet plays a major role in your dental health. Bacteria thrive on sugars and carbs, so limiting snacks, sugary drinks, and processed foods helps reduce your risk of decay. Drinking water throughout the day can also help rinse away food particles and neutralise acids.
Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride strengthens enamel and defends against decay. Many toothpastes contain fluoride, but for added protection, we may recommend additional treatments such as fluoride varnish or gels.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Routine dental visits are key to spotting decay early. During check-ups, we can identify early signs of decay, remove plaque and tartar, and provide preventive treatments like sealants or fluoride applications. We recommend visiting us twice a year to maintain your oral health.
Let Us Help You Protect Your Smile
Remember, prevention is the best approach to maintaining your oral health. By practising good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and keeping up with regular dental visits, you can protect your teeth and enjoy a healthy smile for years to come.
If you suspect you may have tooth decay, don’t wait to get it checked. The sooner you address it, the better your chances of preserving your tooth and avoiding complications.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or just need a routine check-up, call us at 03 9593 1811 to book an appointment at our Brighton dental clinic. Our friendly team is here to support you with expert care and guidance to keep your smile in top condition.
