Tooth decay is a widespread dental issue that can affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults. Whether it’s a small cavity or advanced damage requiring root canal therapy, understanding how decay progresses and how to treat it is essential to protecting your smile. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the tooth decay process, the stages of tooth decay, and all available treatment options.
What Exactly Is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay, or dental caries, happens when acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque slowly erode the structure of your tooth. These bacteria feed on food particles, especially sugary foods, and create acid that erodes your tooth enamel. Over time, if not treated, this leads to a cavity, pain, infection, and even loss of the affected tooth.
The Tooth Decay Process: How It Starts and Spreads
To understand how to treat tooth decay, it’s helpful to first know how it develops:
- Plaque Buildup: Bacteria in your mouth combine with food particles, particularly from sugary foods and drinks, to create a sticky film known as dental plaque.
- Acid Attack: These bacteria produce acids that begin eroding the tooth’s enamel, the protective outer layer.
- Mineral Loss: Saliva can neutralise some acids, but repeated attacks cause mineral loss and enamel decay.
- Cavity Formation: As the decay progresses, it eats through the enamel into deeper layers like dentin and the tooth’s pulp, leading to infection and inflammation.
Spotting the Early Signs: Catching Decay Before It Worsens
Catching decay in its early stages can help avoid complex treatments. Look out for:
- White spots on the tooth surface (early tooth decay)
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Mild discomfort or tooth pain
- Visible holes or pits in the teeth
Regular dental checkups are the best way to catch issues before they become more serious.
Stages of Tooth Decay: From Mild to Severe
Tooth decay doesn’t happen overnight. It progresses in stages:
- Initial Demineralisation: White spots form on the enamel due to mineral loss.
- Enamel Decay: A cavity forms as the enamel breaks down.
- Dentin Decay: The damage reaches the softer dentin beneath the enamel, causing increased sensitivity.
- Pulp Damage: Bacteria reach the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, causing severe pain.
- Dental Abscess: Infection can spread, forming pus-filled abscesses near the tooth’s root.
Tooth Decay Treatment Options: What to Expect
The right treatment depends on the severity of the decay and which part of the tooth is affected. Here’s a breakdown of common tooth decay treatments:
1. Fluoride Treatment for Early Decay
In the very early stages, fluoride treatments can reverse the damage by helping remineralise the enamel. These are typically applied by a dental practitioner in the form of:
- Gels
- Varnishes
- Foams
- Rinses
Using fluoride toothpaste at home is also essential to preventing further decay.
2. Dental Fillings for Cavities
If decay has progressed past the enamel, a dental filling is often required. The decayed part of the tooth is removed and filled with materials like composite resin, amalgam, or porcelain to restore the tooth’s structure.
3. Root Canal Treatment for Advanced Decay
If decay progresses to the innermost layer of the tooth and impacts the pulp, root canal treatment might be necessary to preserve and restore the affected tooth. During this procedure, the dental team removes infected pulp tissue, disinfects the root canals, and seals them. A crown is usually placed afterwards to protect the tooth.
4. Tooth Extraction for Severe Cases
If the tooth is beyond repair and causing severe pain or forming dental abscesses, it may need to be removed. Tooth extraction is generally considered a final option when other dental treatments are incapable of restoring the affected tooth.
Supporting Treatments: Strengthening and Protecting Teeth
Aside from treating the decay itself, some additional options can help protect your teeth:
Dental Sealants
Sealants are thin, protective layers placed on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to help prevent decay in areas prone to plaque buildup. They are especially useful for children and teens but can benefit adults with a high risk of dental decay.
Desensitising Treatments
If you have sensitivity due to enamel decay or minor recession, your dentist may recommend desensitising toothpaste or in-office treatments to relieve discomfort.
Want to Avoid Cavities? Here’s How to Keep Tooth Decay Away
Tooth decay may be common, but the good news is it’s largely preventable with the right care and habits. Protecting your teeth means taking small daily steps that lead to long-term oral health. Here’s how to avoid tooth decay and keep your smile healthy for years to come:
Practise Good Oral Hygiene Every Day
- Brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your enamel and remove dental plaque.
- Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth, which your toothbrush cannot reach.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash if your dentist recommends it for added protection.
- Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or earlier if the bristles are fraying or losing their shape.
Watch Your Diet and Limit Sugary Foods
- Reduce sugary food and drink intake, especially between meals, as they feed the bacteria that cause decay.
- Opt for tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, fresh vegetables, nuts, and yoghurt.
- Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and rinse your mouth after consuming anything sweet or acidic to help protect your teeth.
Choose a Healthy, Balanced Diet
- A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibre is essential for keeping your teeth strong and your gums healthy.
- Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and leafy greens help maintain a strong tooth structure.
- Eating crunchy fruits and vegetables helps boost saliva flow, which naturally cleans your teeth and reduces harmful bacteria in your mouth.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
- Book regular dental checkups, ideally every six months, to catch early tooth decay and receive professional cleanings.
- Your dental practitioner can apply fluoride treatments or dental sealants to provide extra protection, especially on chewing surfaces prone to cavities.
Stay Hydrated and Chew Sugar-Free Gum
- Regularly drinking water helps rinse your mouth and wash away food particles, supporting a cleaner and healthier oral environment.
- Chewing sugar-free gum after meals encourages saliva flow, which helps neutralise acids and shields your tooth enamel from damage.
Don’t Ignore Early Symptoms
- If you experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods, mild tooth pain, or notice white spots on your teeth, speak to your dentist promptly. These could be early signs of decay, and addressing them early prevents further damage.
By following these simple steps, you’re not just preventing decay; you’re building the foundation for lifelong oral health. A healthy smile begins with a little daily care and regular guidance from your dental team.
Tooth Decay in Children: Special Considerations for Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are just as prone to decay as adult teeth, and untreated decay in baby teeth can affect the growth and health of the permanent teeth that develop underneath them. Here’s how to protect your child’s smile:
- Begin brushing your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as their first tooth comes through.
- Try to avoid putting your baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, as it can increase the chances of early tooth decay.
- Encourage water to be the main drink between meals.
- Take your child for regular dental visits by age one.
The Role of Your Dental Team in Tooth Decay Treatment
Your dental team is your greatest ally in the fight against decay. They can:
- Provide professional cleanings
- Apply fluoride treatments
- Place dental sealants
- Offer dietary and hygiene advice.
- Perform dental fillings, root canals, or extractions as needed.
If you’re experiencing tooth pain or suspect decay, don’t delay. The sooner you address it, the simpler and more comfortable the treatment will be.
FAQs About Tooth Decay Treatment
How do I know if I have a cavity?
You might notice pain, sensitivity, or a visible hole in your tooth. Regular check ups help detect them early.
Do dental fillings hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel only a little discomfort during the procedure.
Can tooth decay cause other health issues?
Yes, untreated decay can lead to dental abscesses and, in rare cases, affect overall health if bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Is tooth decay reversible?
In its very early stages, tooth decay can sometimes be reversed with fluoride treatments and improved oral hygiene habits. Once a cavity forms, though, it needs professional treatment.
Does a filling stop tooth decay completely?
Yes, a dental filling removes the decayed portion of the tooth and restores its structure, stopping the decay from progressing further.
Don’t Wait for Decay: Start Protecting Your Smile Today
Tooth decay is common, but it is also highly preventable and treatable. With good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits, you can maintain a bright, healthy smile for life. Whether you need a simple fluoride treatment or a more involved root canal, today’s dental care options are designed to be as comfortable and effective as possible.
If you’re concerned about a cavity or experiencing tooth sensitivity, don’t wait. Book a consultation with Definitive Dental at (02) 6105 9833 today and take the first step towards preventing further decay and protecting your smile.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Cavities/tooth decay. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10946-cavities
- American Association of Endodontists. (n.d.). What is a root canal? Retrieved from https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/
- Healthline. (n.d.). Fluoride treatment: Benefits, side effects, recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/fluoride-treatment
- Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Tooth decay (caries or cavities) in children. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tooth-decay-caries-or-cavities-in-children