Stages of Dental Caries
Dental caries is an infectious and transmissible disease because it is caused by bacteria colonizing the tooth surfaces. Dental caries progresses in stages
Stage 1: White spots to brownish spots
Stage 2: Decay extending into enamel
Stage 3: Decay extending into dentin
Stage 4: Local infection of pulp
Stage 5: Infection in bone around tooth
Loss of tooth structure can happen at any stage depending on weakening of tooth structure due to caries and forces applied on the tooth.
Treatment of dental decay depends on the stage of decay. Prevention and early treatment can prevent the spread of dental caries.
