Cavities, also called tooth decay or caries, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, frequent snacking, sipping sugary drinks and not cleaning your teeth well. Cavities and tooth decay are among the world's most common health problems. They're especially common in children, teenagers and older adults.
But anyone who has teeth can get cavities, including infants. If cavities aren't treated, they get larger and affect deeper layers of your teeth. They can lead to a severe toothache, infection and tooth loss. Regular dental visits and good brushing and flossing habits are your best protection against cavities and tooth decay. The signs and symptoms of cavities vary, depending on their extent and location.
When a cavity is just beginning, you may not have any symptoms at all. As the decay gets larger, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:. You may not be aware that a cavity is forming.
That's why it's important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings, even when your mouth feels fine. However, if you experience a toothache or mouth pain, see your dentist as soon as possible. Cavities are caused by tooth decay — a process that occurs over time. Here's how tooth decay develops:. Everyone who has teeth is at risk of getting cavities, but the following factors can increase risk:.
Cavities and tooth decay are so common that you may not take them seriously. And you may think that it doesn't matter if children get cavities in their baby teeth. However, cavities and tooth decay can have serious and lasting complications, even for children who don't have their permanent teeth yet. Good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay. Here are some tips to help prevent cavities.
Ask your dentist which tips are best for you. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo.
All rights reserved. Terms Of Use. Privacy Policy. About Our Ads. Children's Privacy Policy. Sign up now. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox? Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Top Articles. What Causes Rotten Teeth? However, as the decay worsens, you might recognize some of these rotten tooth symptoms: Toothache or pain when biting Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods Brown, black, yellow, or white spots on the tooth Bad breath or unpleasant taste in your mouth Gum swelling If you recognize any of these rotten tooth symptoms, schedule an emergency appointment with your dentist.
Remember these basic steps: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time with fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth daily with an interdental device such as floss or a water flosser. See your dentist regularly for oral exams to catch tooth decay early.
You will also see dark spots as the decay becomes more apparent. As the decay gets worse, the toothaches will become unbearable, your teeth can crack, pieces of your teeth can break off, or a tooth can completely break at the gum line. You will start having trouble eating and may lose weight.
It is possible you will lose important nutrients that are critical to your health. The symptoms of a rotten tooth will grow more severe as time goes by. You are more likely to notice this kind of symptom in a rotten back tooth or rotten bottom teeth.
In comparison, rotten front teeth are relatively rare. There are some significant dangers that can result from rotten teeth. Bacteria play a substantial role in tooth decay and rotten teeth. When bacteria penetrate the tooth, it can get into the gum tissue and cause an infection that can eventually work its way into the bloodstream. Infections can make you extremely ill. If they are not treated, the blood infections can turn into sepsis which, in a worst-case scenario, could kill you.
Symptoms that you may be experiencing a blood infection include severe fatigue, lack of energy, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the infection develops into sepsis, you may become confused, experience hallucinations and ultimately lapse into a coma. There are three tooth decay stages. Early-stage decay is little more than an initial breakdown in the tooth enamel. There might be very tiny cavities, but early tooth decay stages can usually be reversed.
Advanced tooth decay stages show significant cavities. At this stage, dental caries has gone further than just the enamel but have not yet reached the pulp of the tooth. Very advanced tooth decay stages show dental caries in the pulp of the tooth. Your dentist will decide the level of treatment according to the level of decay. In addition, in most cases your dentists should be able to save the rotten tooth.
When putting together your plan for your rotten teeth treatment, your dentist will first consider the location of your tooth and the stage of the decay. They will also consider whether the tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. Throughout your life, your smile is not only your first impression but also your lasting impression. If your decay is on a front tooth, your dentist will take a different path towards restoration than when your decay is on a molar.
No matter where your bad teeth are located, there are several options for saving a rotten tooth. Decay that occurs on either your back teeth or your bottom teeth is treated with traditional fillings and crowns. It is more common for your back teeth to decay because they are harder to reach and may not get the care that your front teeth do when you brush and floss. No matter what stage of decay, you will notice a difference in your rotted teeth before and after treatment.
With several options available, your rotten teeth do not need to be considered permanently damaged. The rotten teeth treatment options for each stage of decay are:. Early-stage decay is a breakdown in enamel and perhaps a very small tooth cavity. At this stage, a simple fluoride treatment can reverse a tooth cavity and rebuild enamel.
A fluoride treatment is not indicated if decay is already progressing to dark spots on the teeth or a steady case of bad breath. Early-stage decay may appear as more of a discoloration of the tooth.
Regular hygiene appointments and daily oral care can keep your decay to a minimum when they can catch decay at the early stage. If your tooth decay is in the advanced stage, your dentist can still easily restore the permanently damaged tooth. Cavities are visible to the naked eye at this stage of decay. Using a dental drill, the decayed areas are removed from the tooth. The empty spaces are then filled in with either porcelain, composite resin that is colored to match your tooth or an amalgam composed of various metals and porcelain.
If the decay has weakened the tooth, your dentist will remove your natural crown and a customized replacement crown may be made to order.
Crowns are made of either porcelain, gold, or a metal-porcelain combination. The custom crown will replace the natural crown on your tooth and will be cemented into place. It is not uncommon to have a rotten tooth under crown.
When decay reaches the inner pulp of your permanently damaged tooth, a root canal may be the last resort to save your tooth. Your dentist will need to remove the affected pulp and replace it with filling material.
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