How Tooth Decay Develops in Stages and Why Doctor Visit in Pune Can Help Prevent It

What is Tooth Decay and Why Should You Visit a Dentist in Pune?

Tooth decay is a type of damage that happens to your teeth and makes it vulnerable to cavities, tooth loss or even dental abscesses. Tooth decay is caused by particular bacteria species that live in dental plaque. The bacteria within plaque convert sugars present in the food into acids. If plaque builds up over time, the acids begin to damage the teeth.

Oral hygiene is a very important part of preventing tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs in many stages. Get timely consultation from a dentist in Pune to maintain good oral hygiene. If you want a cost-effective option, you can even get online doctor consultation.

Stages of Tooth Decay

Dental plaque is part of the tooth decay process. Plaque is a sticky colourless film that covers the surfaces and nook and cranny of your teeth. It is made up of food particles, saliva and bacteria. If teeth are not cleaned properly and regularly, plaque can build up over time. Over time, it hardens and forms what is known as tartar. The presence of tartar helps to protect bacteria making it even more difficult to clean or remove it. This process of tooth decay occurs in five stages:

• Stage 1: Initial Demineralisation

The outer portion of the teeth is composed of enamel, the hardest tissue in the body and mostly comprises minerals. Upon exposure to plaque bacteria-induced acids; the enamel starts to lose the minerals. The appearance of a white spot on one of the teeth is an indication of mineral loss and resultant tooth decay.

• Stage 2: Enamel Decay

When tooth decay continues over time, the enamel breaks down further and the white spot slowly transforms into a dark brownish colour. With the enamel quite weak now, small holes known as cavities or dental caries start to form. A dentist generally takes care of filling the cavities. You can visit a dentist in Pune and find out if cavities have started to form in your teeth.

• Stage 3: Dentin Decay

Dentin is a tissue lying underneath the enamel. It is softer than enamel and so, more vulnerable to damage from acids. Due to this, the process of tooth decay expedites the moment it reaches the dentin tissue.

Dentin has tubes that connect to the nerves of the teeth. When dentin is impacted by tooth decay, you start to feel tooth sensitivity. This is noticeable when drinking cold or hot drinks.

• Stage 4: Damage to the Pulp

The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It is composed of blood tissues and nerves that keep the tooth healthy. The nerves present provide sensation to the tooth. When damage occurs, it becomes irritated and begins to swell. Since the nearby tissues are not able to expand and accommodate the swelling, pressure can be placed on the nerves. This causes pain.

• Stage 5: Abscess

When tooth decay reaches the pulp, bacteria can enter and cause infection. Inflammation creates a pocket of pus that forms at the bottom of the tooth which is called an abscess. Tooth abscess causes unimaginable pain and can radiate up to the jaw. Other signs that your tooth decay has advanced are gum swelling, jaw, face, fever and inflamed lymph nodes at the back of the neck.

If a tooth abscess has developed, it will need prompt treatment which will start with the first step which is a doctor consultation. You can opt for online doctor consultation, which is a much more cost-effective option. Once the doctor has examined and heard your case, he/she will suggest to you the next step and finalise a date for treatment.

Preventing Tooth Decay Begins with Doctor’s Visit in Pune

If you want to avoid damage to your teeth, here is what you can do on your own:

• Make regular doctor visits in Pune or any city where you currently reside in.
• Brush your teeth two times a day, preferably with a fluoridated toothpaste
• Limit your consumption of sweets both solids and liquids, especially at night before your bedtime
• Build a habit of drinking water from the tap which contains fluoride and many minerals that can help to keep your enamel strong
• Refrain from snacking in between your big meals
• You can ask your dentist about sealant which covers the surface of your teeth and prevents food particles from getting trapped in the grooves

When to Go for Doctor Visit in Pune or Seek Online Doctor Consultation?

Regular doctor visits or even online doctor consultations can help the doctor determine whether your tooth is in the first stages of tooth decay. This is because the initial stages hardly show any symptoms and only a visual examination or an x-ray of your teeth can help bring the condition to light. However, if you haven’t visited a dentist in a long time and you are frequently experiencing tooth sensitivity, you mustn’t put off your visit any longer and set up an online doctor consultation right away for a quick diagnosis. Platforms like Bajaj provide you with quality dental care at affordable prices where you can quickly get a first or second opinion from the comfort of your home or office.