STAGES OF TOOTH DECAY

How bacterial erosion gnaws away at the integrity of the tooth

1 A PROTECTIVE COATING

In a healthy tooth, the vulnerable network of blood vessels and nerve endings, and the softer dentin bulk, are protected by enamel on the crown and cementum at the roots.

2 ESTABLISHMENT OF PLAQUE

Bacteria, food debris and a sweep of small molecules aggregate into a biofilm known as plaque. Over time plaque hardens into calculus, which is difficult to remove.

3 EROSION

Harmful acids produced by colonising bacteria slowly wear away at the hard mineral structure of the enamel, making contact with the softer and more sensitive dentin underneath.

4 INFECTION

Once bacteria chips through the dentin it arrives at the pulp, a sensitive bundle of nerves and blood vessels. This often results in a serious infection which can destroy the tooth.