Rotting Teeth? How to Recognize and Treat Tooth Decay Before It's Too Late

Rotting teeth can cause sensitivity and pain in the teeth and gums. If left untreated, rotting teeth can lead to infections, and gum disease, which has been linked to systemic infections (those that impact the whole body). Dental decay caught early can be treated, but prevention is the best tool to avoid rotting teeth.

This article will explore the causes of tooth decay, the appearance of rotting teeth, and how to prevent and treat dental disease.

What Causes Rotten Teeth?

There are more than 700 types of microbes (tiny living organisms) in your mouth. The microbes make up your microbiome, the natural balance of bacteria, viruses, and other organisms in your body.

Some bacteria are good for your body and help break down and digest food. Other bacteria are harmful and can lead to illness or infection. Bacteria and the acids they produce, along with viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, live in the mouth and, together, create tooth decay.

The sugar and starch in the food and beverages you consume feed bacteria and create a film called plaque on the teeth. Plaque hardens into tartar, which can eat away tooth enamel and gum tissue, leading to tooth damage and gum disease.

Tooth enamel is made up of strong minerals that protect the deeper layers of the teeth. Weakened enamel and exposed areas of teeth from damaged gums are most susceptible to mineral loss, which also contributes to tooth decay.

What Are the Signs of Rotting Teeth?

White spots on your teeth are a symptom of mineral loss and an early sign of tooth decay.

Visible signs of tooth decay also include brown or dark stains, especially around the base of the teeth, and roots that are exposed below the gum line. In severe cases of tooth decay, there may also be noticeable abscesses (pus-filled pockets) or swelling.

What Are the Symptoms of Rotten Teeth?

You may feel the physical symptoms of tooth decay before any visible signs are recognized.

Symptoms of tooth decay can include:

• Tooth pain
• Tooth sensitivity
• Staining on your teeth
• Cavities (dental caries)
• Infections or abscesses
• Facial swelling
• Fever
  

How to Treat Rotting Teeth

Several treatment options can help treat decaying, or rotting, teeth. Your dentist will choose an appropriate treatment based on the severity of decay and other symptoms.

Treatments of tooth decay can include:

• Extraction: In severe cases of tooth decay, a person may not have healthy enough teeth for the dentist to treat and repair. When this happens, the dentist will remove the decayed tooth and replace it with an artificial tooth like a bridge or implant.
• Fluoride treatments: Fluoride is a natural mineral that protects and repairs tooth enamel.
• Fillings: If your tooth decay has caused a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed area with a small drill and fill it with an artificial material called a filling that can mimic your natural enamel.
• Root canal: A root canal is done in more severe cases of decay, when damage or infection spreads to the root or the pulp (innermost layer of a tooth containing connective tissue, nerves, and blood vessels). This treatment involves the removal of decayed tissue, followed by the placement of a temporary filling and eventually a permanent filling or cover called a crown.
• Silver diamine fluoride: A noninvasive treatment option for children or people with special care needs.
  

How to Prevent Rotten Teeth

Although there are several effective treatments for tooth decay, prevention is preferred whenever possible.

You can prevent tooth decay with regular dental care like:

• Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily
• Eating a nutritious diet with limited snacks
• Using supplemental fluoride treatments
• Applying dental sealants to protect teeth from decay
• Limiting your consumption of sugars and starches
  
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Getting regular dental cleanings and exams

Summary

Bacteria, acids, and other substances cause tooth decay by eating away at the enamel of your teeth. Increased bacteria in the mouth can lead to infections, which can be severe if left untreated. Tooth decay can be treated through several methods, but regular dental care is the best way to prevent rotting teeth.

A Word From Verywell

Tooth decay can cause pain and difficulty eating and increase the risk of developing an infection. Once tooth decay develops, your dentist may provide fluoride treatments or fillings to repair the damage.

In severe cases, a dentist will remove the decayed tooth and replace it with an implant. See a dentist for regular cleanings and exams. Be sure to bring up your dental hygiene habits and your risk of developing tooth decay.