How many stages of tooth decay are there?
Tooth decay can be divided into 4 stages according to the extent of decay as follows:
Phase 1
Caries are found within the enamel surface. Black marks will appear along the grooves of the teeth, but at this stage, no symptoms will occur.
Phase 2
Deeper decay is found within the enamel layer. It can be seen as small decays on the tooth surface. During this stage, the patient may start to experience tooth sensitivity.
Stage 3
The decay may deepen further into the dentin. Patients may notice large and deep cavities. Symptoms that occur in patients at this stage include severe toothache when stimulated or tooth sensitivity. Factors that trigger symptoms include eating spicy food, eating very hot or cold food, etc.
Stage 4
If tooth decay is left until this stage, the patient will clearly notice that the tooth has a large and deep cavity, which is a cavity that penetrates to the tooth’s nerve cavity. The patient may experience toothache without any stimulus. But what is frightening สมัคร ufabet กับเรา รับโบนัสทันที at this stage is if the germs in the cavity spread to the tip of the tooth root, pus may form and the germs may spread to other parts of the body.
If tooth decay is left untreated, it can lead to the development of these diseases.
- Heart disease
- Oral cancer
- Cerebral infarction
- Pneumonia
- Diabetes
Diagnosis of dental caries
If a patient visits a dentist, the doctor will diagnose tooth decay by asking about the initial symptoms, such as pain or sensitivity, and will use equipment to examine the inside of the mouth and teeth. If the patient has tooth decay related to other diseases, the doctor may take an X-ray of the mouth to see the damage to the teeth. The doctor will then inform the patient of the characteristics of the tooth decay and how it can be treated. Normally, all children should visit a dentist at least once a year, and those over the age of 18 should visit at least once every two years for regular dental checkups.
Dental caries treatment
- Use of fluoride: If tooth decay is in the early stages, the dentist will recommend that the patient use fluoride, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, or tooth coating, etc.
- Dental fillings When a cavity is clearly visible, the dentist will use a strong or tooth-colored material to fill the cavity.
- Dental crowns are used in cases where the patient’s teeth are decayed over a large area, the teeth are not in good health, or there is little remaining tooth structure. The doctor will use a strong, tooth-colored material to cover the problematic tooth.
- Root Canal Treatment This is used when tooth decay has penetrated the pulp chamber. The doctor will repair the damage and treat the infected area.
- Tooth extraction When the inflammation has spread and it is consider. That the tooth cannot be saved, the doctor may use the tooth extraction method to treat the patient’s symptoms.
How to take care of your own oral health
- Brush your teeth regularly and properly twice a day or after eating with a soft-bristled toothbrush, always brushing your tongue.
- Use dental floss to clean between your teeth after brushing your teeth every time.
- Use a mouthwash that has antibacterial properties.
- Eat a nutritious diet and limit your carbohydrate intake.
- Get an oral health check-up at least once a year.