What Are the Different Types of Tooth Decay?
If you find yourself sensitive to cold on your teeth, experience irregular toothache or struggle to bite down, it’s likely you’re suffering from one or more types of tooth decay.
The sugar and starch we consume through food can remain in our mouths if we don’t brush correctly, allowing the bacteria living in plaque to create acid. This acid then attacks the tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay over time.
Brushing our teeth accordingly twice a day prevents plaque build-up, but further oral hygiene practices are needed to prevent tooth decay.
If you want to learn about the tooth decay types, keep reading to find out more.
Pit and Fissure
This type of decay refers to the part of your tooth that chews the food. Due to the shape of molars, in particular, it’s more common for these teeth to develop cavities as food particles collect in the pits.
This type of tooth decay occurs most often in people who don’t brush regularly. Allowing food to accumulate in the grooves of molars for long periods will increase decay. This could result in complete loss of the tooth.
Aside from brushing, there are other ways to protect yourself from a pit and fissure cavity. Applying a sealant to the tooth acts like a protective shield, stopping food particles from sitting in the grooves of the teeth.
Root Decay
Developing a root cavity is likely the worst type of tooth decay. As the root doesn’t have enamel to protect it, damage occurs quicker.
Root decay can happen before you realize it. More commonly, if you suffer from receding gums, food particles will travel to the root of the tooth.
If decay occurs and produces a large cavity, it’ll need to be removed via a root canal procedure. Recovering from a root canal can take a few days or in some cases up to a week.
Smooth Surface
The last type of tooth decay is the least common. Except for the back teeth, all your teeth touch each other. Which can make it hard to brush thoroughly in between difficult-to-reach areas.
Smooth surface decay occurs when plaque collects at the sides of the teeth. We can’t remove all traces of food from our mouths, but flossing will eliminate particles caught between the teeth.
Alongside flossing regularly, not drinking as much soda and high sugar content foods will help to prevent tooth decay.
Will You Take Better Care of Your Teeth to Prevent These Types of Tooth Decay?
Untreated decay is present in more than 20% of US adults. As this advances you may develop more serious conditions such as complete tooth removal, along with infections that can develop into an abscess.
The best way to reduce the risk of these types of tooth decay is to be consistent with your oral hygiene practices. Visit your dentist regularly. They can determine the beginning of decay and advise the best way to prevent it from progressing further.
For more articles on tooth care, check out our other blog posts.