Experiencing Rotten Teeth?
Experiencing severe pain from a decaying tooth can be upsetting, especially when there are visible signs of dental health deterioration. Fortunately, there are many solutions available to address the problem of rotten teeth. If you are experiencing tooth decay, it is recommended to quickly schedule an examination and treatment with your dentist. While you wait, you can learn important information about the causes, symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures for dental decay.
What Causes Rotten Teeth?
The word “rotten” can refer to teeth that are severely decayed. The presence of dental decay is commonly linked to eating sugary or starchy foods and not maintaining good oral hygiene. Failing to regularly clean your teeth can result in a oral bacteria development that forms a layer of sticky film on your teeth and gums.
The harmful bacteria feed on sugars and starches in the food you eat, which leads to the production of acids that overtime can damage your tooth enamel. When the enamel gets weaker, bacteria and plaque keep damaging the softer dentin underneath, which can eventually lead to affecting the core or pulp of the tooth. During the final stage of tooth decay, a bacterial infection forms in the tooth pulp, leading to tooth abscess and a possible spread to other areas of the body.
There are multiple factors that can lead to the development of rotten teeth, rather than a single underlying cause. Understanding the causes of tooth decay can help avoid dental issues in the future.
1. Poor dental hygiene
Maintaining dental health is important for having strong and healthy teeth. Regular brushing and flossing is important for removing the buildup of plaque and keeping your dental health in good shape. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice daily and to remember to floss every day. It is recommended to get a dental checkup and receive dental cleanings from a dental professional twice a year.
Deep dental crevices can increase the risk of tooth decay due to difficulties in removing food particles. Plaque can cause erosion on the tooth’s surface when it gets into the groves. One way to prevent sticky plaque buildup is by applying dental sealants to promote the overall oral health of the teeth.
2. Poor diet
Tooth decay may result from eating meals that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, as they often stick to teeth.
The amount of sugar you eat affects the bacteria in your mouth, which can increase acidity levels. Failure to regularly brush your teeth and consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods can speed up the erosion of tooth enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth.
Tooth decay can also be caused by a high consumption of acidic foods or beverages such as soda and juices, as well as the presence of acid reflux disease. Beverages with an acidic nature can lead to a slow erosion of tooth enamel. Acid reflux can lead to the backward flow of stomach acid, causing erosion of tooth enamel and affecting the esophagus and mouth.
3. Dry mouth
Lacking saliva production by the salivary glands can lead to plaque and bacteria build-up in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay or deterioration caused by high levels of dental plaque and acid.
4. Fluoride deficiency
Tooth decay may happen when fluoride, a natural mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, is not included in oral care. While fluoride is commonly added to public water sources, bottled water is less likely to contain it. Therefore, individuals who do not use fluoride toothpaste or drink municipal tap water may be at risk of developing tooth decay.
5. Baby bottle tooth decay
Tooth decay can happen if a child falls asleep with a bottle containing milk, juice, or formula, or if their pacifier is coated with sugar or honey. In both situations, sugar gathers around the teeth, creating a pathway for the development of tooth decay.
Rotten teeth symptoms
Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, causes damage to the tooth enamel. Regular dental appointments are important because cavities can be present without any signs. Regular dental check-ups allow dentists to identify and treat cavities quickly, which helps prevent further tooth decay.
As a cavity progresses, it slowly enlarges and begins to affect the internal layers of the tooth. In addition to the presence of a cavity, signs of a decayed tooth include:
- toothache
- tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- spots on the tooth that can be brown, black, or white in color
- bad breath
- unpleasant taste in the mouth
- swelling
Tooth decay can impact individuals of all ages, including infants, toddlers, and children. The symptoms of tooth decay in children are similar to those in adults and may include inflamed gums, restlessness, and a raised body temperature, which may result from a tooth infection.
If your child shows signs of irritability and has difficulty communicating where they are feeling sharp pain or discomfort, it is recommended to check their mouth for any signs of possible problems.
Rotten teeth treatment
Both children and adults receive similar dental treatment options to address decayed teeth, with the main focus on preserving the tooth and improving oral health.
1. Treatment for early stages of rotten teeth
In the early stages of tooth decay, dentists may choose to manage a fluoride treatment to strengthen and rejuvenation the tooth, potentially reversing the cavity. However, it is important to mention that this approach only works for small cavities and may not be effective if there are other signs of decay, such as tooth discoloration or bad breath.
2. Treatment for advanced stages of rotten teeth
If fluoride treatment isn’t possible, the dentist has the option to address rotten teeth through dental fillings or dental crowns. The decayed parts of the infected tooth are removed and replaced with either a tooth-colored composite resin or an amalgam filling that contains materials such as mercury, silver, or other metals. Another option is to place a dental crown over the decayed tooth in order to restore its functionality.
3. Treatment for very advanced stages of rotten teeth
In cases where tooth decay has reached the innermost part of the tooth, resulting in inflammation or infection, a root canal procedure may be required. During this procedure, the dentist removes the infected nerve and pulp, and then fills and seals the empty space.
In certain cases, when a bad tooth is severely damaged due to decay, a dentist may perform a tooth extraction and replacement with a partial denture, dental bridge, or dental implant.
If your child has a decayed baby tooth that can’t be fixed with a dental filling, you might believe a root canal treatment isn’t necessary since it’s not a permanent tooth. Even though a decayed tooth will eventually fall out on its own, the dentist might recommend a root canal procedure to prevent the tooth from falling out too early. Premature tooth loss due to severe decay can potentially cause misalignment of permanent teeth.