All About Cavities
Illustrations: How A Tooth Decays
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Enamel Decay |
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| Acid from bacteria in the mouth
has started to leach minerals from the enamel in a process called "demineralization." This earliest stage of decay is reversible.
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Demineralization continues. Enamel starts to break down.
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| Dentin Decay |
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Pulp Involvement |
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| The decay reaches into the dentin where it can spread and undermine the enamel.
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If decay is left untreated, it will reach the tooth's pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels. The pulp becomes infected. An abscess can form in the tissues. |
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