Rotten Teeth: Causes, Consequences, And Treatment.

Poor dental hygiene, abuse of the teeth, and improper care of the teeth can put you at risk of many dental diseases. These diseases can affect the teeth, gums, and any part of the mouth. This can cause severe pain, loss of teeth, lead to other health issues and even become life-threatening. These diseases will also damage your teeth and ruin your smile. A good and proper oral hygiene like regular brushing, flossing, and other tooth care options can help to keep these dental diseases and infections at bay. A common example of dental diseases or infections that arise as a result of poor dental hygiene is rotting teeth.

Rotting teeth is the major characteristic of tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs as a result of the infestation of the mouth by dental plaques and tartars. Dental plaque is formed as a result of the mixture of saliva, remnants of food in the mouth, and bacteria in the mouth. These dental plaques release acid that wears down the tooth enamel and leads to the rotting of the teeth known as tooth decay. Failure to get immediate dental treatment will lead to severe pain, bad breath, and will eventually cause the rotten teeth to fall out. Tooth decay can occur in anyone regardless of age. Babies with temporary teeth can have decay, likewise adults with permanent teeth. Leftover milk in the mouths of breastfeeding babies aids the formation of dental plaques. Tooth decay in babies must be quickly checked to prevent it from affecting the development of their natural teeth.

Causes Of Tooth Decay

Although the infestation of the mouth with dental plaques is the major cause of teeth rottings, there are other causes of tooth decay. These causes include:

Deficiency Of Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral that can be used to fortify teeth against decay and cavities. It is found in moderate quantities in public water supplies, toothpaste, etc. However, inadequate intake can cause weakness of the tooth enamel and lead to tooth decay.

Dental Crevices

The surface of the molars and premolars has deep fissures and crevices that can harbor food remnants and make them hard to clean. These groves are playgrounds for dental plaque and it is hard to get them out. This will gradually eat away at the tooth enamel and cause decay.

Poor Dental Habits And Hygiene

Regular brushing and flossing can help to clean out dental plaques and protect the teeth from bacterial infections. A periodical visit to the dentist can also help to check for dental diseases and assess your risks of getting dental infections. Refusal to do these puts you at risk of tooth decay.

Baby Bottle

Babies falling asleep while breastfeeding or with feeding bottles in their mouths can cause the formation of plaques that lead to tooth decay. Also, dipping a baby’s mouth toys into sugar or honey can cause tooth decay.

Dry Mouth

Saliva can help wash away bacteria and the formation of plaques in the mouth. Therefore, inadequate production of saliva in the mouth can lead to tooth decay.

Poor Diet

Too much intake of sugary and starchy foods can lead to a faster breakdown of the tooth’s enamel. Also, excess consumption of acidic drinks such as soda, juices, etc, can cause tooth decay.

Symptoms Of Tooth Decay

Symptoms of tooth decay include:

• Severe toothache.
• Bad breath (Halitosis).
• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
• Bad breath.
• Unpleasant tastes in the mouth.

What To Do If My Teeth Are Rotting?

If your teeth are rotting, you are to seek immediate dental care from a dental professional.

Early stages of tooth decay can be treated with fluoride. A fluoride treatment is the use of fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral that strengthens the teeth and bones, to treat the teeth. This method works only for small cavities.

Advanced stages of tooth decay might require a root canal treatment, a dental filling, and a dental crown for the decayed tooth. Also, tooth extraction is a last resort for decayed teeth.

What Happens If You Leave Rotten Teeth In Your Mouth?

Leaving rotten teeth in your mouth will cause severe toothache and intense pain. Also, leaving a rotten tooth in the mouth has been said to cause blood poisoning. This occurs when the rot of the teeth is deposited in the mouth and swallowed with saliva.

Can You Reverse Rotting Teeth?

At the earliest stage of tooth decay when there are only small cavities, tooth decay can be treated with fluoride. As tooth decay advances, it cannot be reversed. However, it can be stopped and filled with dental fillings or replaced with other tooth replacement options.