Tooth decay occurs gradually in several stages due to the formation of plaque, which is a thin, transparent layer consisting of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that adheres to the surface of the tooth and affects the enamel layer. The bacteria present in it feed on food residues, producing harmful acids that lead, over time, to the erosion of enamel and the appearance of cavities. The stages of tooth decay include:
1- Removal of minerals and the appearance of white spots:
The outer layer of the teeth consists of a hard tissue containing minerals whose hardness exceeds the hardness of bones, called enamel. Despite the strength of this layer, the accumulation of food remains and the growth of bacteria on it leads to the demineralization of some areas in it, causing it to weaken and the appearance of chalky white spots on the tooth or molar. .
2- Enamel caries:
Minerals continue to be lost from the enamel layer, and the white spots turn into dark brown spots. Then, small cavities form in the enamel layer. Treatment of caries at this stage depends on making a dental filling to fill the cavity after removing the caries and protecting the tooth.
3- Dentin caries:
Caries continues to penetrate at this stage until reaching the dentin layer, which is the layer that follows the enamel and is characterized by being soft and loose and more sensitive to the acids produced by bacteria. Therefore, caries spreads there at a faster rate. When the caries reaches the dentin layer, a person may feel pain or sensitivity in the teeth when eating sugars, as well as cold and hot foods and drinks. This is due to the dentin layer containing fine tubes that reach the tooth nerve.
4- Pulp caries:
The pulp of the tooth is located in the center after the dentin layer and is considered the most sensitive part of the tooth because it contains the nerves and blood vessels responsible for sensation and nourishment of the teeth. Pulp caries is one of the most dangerous types of tooth decay, as the caries reaches deep into the tooth and causes the person to feel severe and acute pain as a result of swelling of the area. Pulp and pressure on the nerve of the tooth.
5- Formation of an abscess or pus:
Pulp tooth decay may worsen, forming a pocket filled with pus in the lower part of the tooth as a result of bacteria reaching the bottom of the tooth roots. This is considered the most severe degree of tooth decay. The abscess and accompanying inflammation in this area causes severe and acute pain in the tooth that may extend to the jaw.
6- Loss of tooth:
Failure to treat the tooth after the abscess or pus has formed and the infection continues to spread to the jaw bones leads to tooth loss, which is the final stage of tooth decay.
millimeter. Sultan Karim Sultan
Government Media and Communications Division
