Even today a large percentage of people procrastinate when it comes to their Dental Health. Studies show that at least 26%  of adults in the age group of 20-64 yrs have untreated Tooth Decay.  

There are three stages of Tooth Decay:

1. In the Enamel: Enamel is the outer most covering of the tooth. It is the hardest substance in our body. When food remains in contact with the tooth for a long period of time, say overnight, it causes the enamel to disintegrate and a small pit is formed. This pit is so small that we cannot see it or feel it. There is no pain or senstivity and hence is ignored. This can only get diagnosed in a Professional check-up by the Dentist. This is one of the reasons why a regular check-up every 6 months by a Dentist is a must. A small filling at this stage can stop the progress of dental caries, but if left untreated, the decay spreads deeper.

2. In the Dentine: The second layer of the tooth, just below the enamel, is called the Dentine. Once the decay crosses in to the dentine You may start feeling sensitive to cold and sweet foods or drinks. Now the cavity size is bigger and the foods that we eat keep getting stuck in this space. Though, sometimes due to the food caught in the cavity, you may not even feel the cold sensation as the dentine is "shielded" by the food remnants. At this stage too we can clean up the decay and do a filling. So the tooth will function properly and will also be protected from worsening of the decay. The devil being procrastination, if we still do not go to the dentist and get our cavity filled, the decay progresses deeper.

3. In the Pulp/Nerve : The third layer or core of the tooth is Pulp tissue which is made of blood vessels and nerves. When the cavity is neglected, it grows deeper in the dentine. The decay grows towards the Pulp and the tooth starts getting sensitive to hot liquids and starts paining. The pulp tissue once infected with decay, starts to die off and no medication can stop the process of nerve degeneration. This dying or dead nerve tissue may cause a swelling/pus in the bone and gums that leads to pain on chewing food. the only treatment that can save the infected tooth at this stage and help you get rid of pain, is infected is Root Canal Treatment or RCT.

The  old saying "A stitch in time saves nine" holds good even here. 

Early diagnosis and treatment can save you three things:

1. Your Tooth

2. Pain and discomfort

3. Your Money

Hence, do not delay when it comes to Dental treatment. 

A 6 monthly visit to the Dentist can go a long way to protect your teeth and preserve them to serve you for a life time.