Tooth decay: everyone knows this threat to tooth health. However, you may know less about how it develops and evolves. Indeed, this common infection, initially benign, can easily get worse and cause significant damage. To prevent this from happening and help you know how to react in the event of a cavity, your dentists at Carrefour 440 in Laval provide you here with information on how it develops and progresses.
The process of caries formation
Cavities form when many bacteria are active on the surface of a tooth. This usually happens when they find sugary residue to eat. As they feed, they multiply and produce acidic waste which, if concentrated, can pierce the enamel. This is how caries, a hole in the enamel allowing bacteria to penetrate, appears. Several factors can contribute to this:
- Poor oral hygiene;
- Consumption of sugary and/or sticky foods and drinks;
- Dry mouth (Xerostomia);
- Medical conditions like diabetes.
The stages of development of caries
The development phase
Caries does not always appear directly: it is sometimes preceded by a preliminary phase characterized by discoloration of the enamel. This “stain” can be observed by your dentist during the routine examination. Depending on the degree of depth and extent of the lesion, he or she may then recommend preventive repair or simply keep the situation under surveillance. In all cases, your treatment team will keep an eye on the affected tooth and intervene as soon as it is justified.
The first phase of evolution
Decay first forms on the surface of the tooth. In its early stages, only the enamel, the outer layer, is affected. In general, an infection of this degree does not cause marked discomfort. This is why only your dentist, through x-rays or a visual examination, can accurately identify it. He or she can then treat it simply by performing a filling.
The second phase of evolution
If decay is not treated properly, the bacteria that caused it may penetrate dentin, the solid layer that makes up most of the tooth’s mass. From then on, the cavity deepens or expands, causing slight discomfort or increased sensitivity. In most cases, a filling (filling) is enough to eliminate the infection. On the other hand, deeper or more extensive damage may require the use of a ceramic inlay or a crown.
The third phase of evolution
At this stage, the decay has progressed to pulpitis, which is an infection of the pulp, the central part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels. For this reason, the infection usually causes sharp, marked pain (toothache). This deep damage cannot be treated with a simple filling; it is necessary to carry out root canal treatment, which aims to eliminate the affected pulp.
The fourth phase of development
If pulpitis worsens and spreads, an abscess, a deep infection that usually forms near the roots of the tooth, may develop. Severe pain, swelling, discharge of pus, chronic bad breath, fever and headache are all symptoms of this severe disease. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of the affected tooth or cause cardiovascular problems or a chronic abscess that lets bacteria pass through the bloodstream to the heart or brain..
It is therefore to prevent it from progressing that it is essential to prevent decay or, at least, to treat it at its first signs. To do this, maintain good habits (diet low in sugar and rich in vitamins and minerals, complete and adequate hygiene, etc.) and visit us regularly. During the routine examination, we will be able to diagnose the problem in time and offer you a quick solution!