Understanding the five stages of tooth decay
Did you know there are five distinct stages of tooth decay? And, that in the first stage of decay, you
can actually take steps to reverse the progression of the disease? Indeed, it’s true. In the first stage
of decay, whether you’re a child or an adult, the application of fluoride via fluoride treatments, your
toothpaste and even the local water supply can stop a cavity from penetrating through the enamel
and reaching its second stage. Even the saliva in your mouth and the foods you eat help to re-mineralize a tooth in jeopardy.
Stage One: White Spots
In stage one, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from the attack of sugars and acids, and
white spots will begin to materialize just below the surface of the enamel. These white spots are
representative of the demineralization of the tooth and can be easy to miss because they’re likely
to […]
Dental caries or tooth decay is caused by specific types of bacteria. They produce acid that destroys the tooth’s enamel and the layer under it, the dentin. Many different types of bacteria normally live in the human mouth. They build up on the teeth in a sticky film called plaque. This plaque also contains saliva, bits of food and other natural substances. It forms most easily in cracks, pits or grooves in the back teeth, between the teeth, around dental fillings, bridges and restorations and near the gum line.