Ouch! Are you experiencing sharp pain while eating or brushing? If so, it could be a sign of a rotten tooth. In Australia, this is one of the most common dental issues as it can impact anyone, at any age. However, if caught early on, it can be treated easily and without much hassle.
What is a rotten tooth?
A rotten tooth is a severely decayed tooth, gradually weakened by bacteria. This happens when excess bacteria builds up on the surface of the tooth and causes the loss of minerals through acid attacks.
If not treated early on, the bacteria then creates holes in the tooth, leading to cavities. Once cavities develop, bacteria penetrates from the tooth’s surface into the dentin layer and pulp of the root of the tooth, causing significant damage. This can lead to pain, swelling, and sensitivity.
What causes a rotten tooth?
If you notice bacteria build up on your teeth and gums, you may already be experiencing decay. How does this happen?
- Poor oral hygiene — ie. not brushing your teeth, not flossing, and not eating well.
- No regular dental cleanings.
Regular care and maintenance of your teeth can help you avoid dental issues and decay. If you aren’t taking care of your teeth, that’s when problems arise, making your life more difficult.
What are the signs that you have a rotten tooth?
A rotten tooth is often difficult to see because areas of decay may be between teeth or in the back of your mouth, where it’s hard to spot with the naked eye. However, you can usually feel or even taste it. Some common rotten teeth symptoms to look out for include:
- Teeth sensitivity: If you are feeling a sudden sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks, it may be a potential sign of your tooth decaying. When the protective layer of teeth, known as enamel, wears down, it makes your teeth more susceptible to pain. This causes throbbing discomfort and sensitivity because they’re no longer protected as much as they once were.
- Bad breath: When bacteria overgrows in your mouth, it causes your breath to stink. The more bacteria that builds up, the higher chance you have of it penetrating through. This will lead to decayed teeth and cavities.
- Dark spots: If you notice black spots or discolouration on your teeth or gum line, that’s a huge sign that indicates decay or root damage. Immediately see a dentist if you have rotten black teeth, as they can use an Xray to get a close up look and see how deep the holes are in your teeth. If left untreated, the spots can spread from one tooth to many others, heightening the severity of the rotting issue.
- Part of a tooth falling out: When a tooth becomes loose or breaks, it often indicates that bacteria have fully invaded the interior of the tooth. This level of decay can lead to severe infection, intense pain, and the eventual loss of the tooth.
If you are experiencing any of these signs, try not to panic — there are still treatment options to avoid the worst outcomes. Visit a dentist to have a professional take a closer look and catch any of the above issues before they potentially get worse.
Can you fix rotten teeth?
The necessary treatment will vary depending on the severity of your decay. Treatments include:
- Dental fillings (mild)
- Dental crowns (moderate)
- Root canals (extensive)
- Extraction (severe)
How to prevent rotten teeth
Tooth decay is preventable. The answer is simple: take good care of your teeth. If you are taking the best care of your teeth, these problems will not arise nearly as frequently.
Below are some of our recommendations to maintain great oral health:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes to clean the surfaces of your teeth, keeping them clear of plaque and bacteria.
- Floss daily with floss or a water flosser to reach any hidden bacteria in between your teeth.
- Cut down on sugar. Bacteria in your mouth eat sugar and produce acids that damage your teeth. Too much sugar can wear down the protective layer of your teeth, making them more likely to get cavities.
- Limit acidic drinks, such as soda or sparkling water, as they wear down the protective layer of your teeth as well.
- Stay on track with dental check-ups every 6 months because the more you see the dentist, the more they can check for decay.
Sticking to these healthy habits will reduce your chances of getting rotten bad teeth and uncomfortable cavities, making your teeth happier and your life easier.
How Oakleigh can help you
No matter what stage you’re at in your dental journey, we’re ready to assist with all your needs. Whether you just want to stop by for a 6 month check-up to ensure you don’t have any cavities or give us a call to ask us about a symptom you are experiencing, we’re here to help.
Book an appointment with us today, and together we’ll keep those smiles healthy and shining bright!
