What are ‘rotten teeth’ and how can I fix them?

The term ‘rotten teeth’ is widely used but poorly understood. It is generally used to refer to an area of tooth decay that has damaged the surface of the tooth, or to refer to dental cavities.

In this article, your dentist Central Coast will explore what causes teeth to ‘go rotten’, how you can prevent rotten teeth, and what you can do to fix teeth that are damaged, including dental implants.

How can I tell if I have ‘rotten’ or decayed teeth?

As your teeth whitening dentist and cosmetic dentist Central Coast will tell you, the first sign of decayed teeth is often pain or discomfort. Some people will experience this as increased sensitivity to hot and cold, or as pain when they chew foods or close their teeth together.

Decayed teeth can also be noticed with the naked eye particularly for the teeth at the front of your mouth. Decayed teeth may show white streaks or spots, small holes, or even rust-like brown or black staining.

Most people realise in time but if left too long, tooth decay may also affect the gums, and this can start to show as swelling and pus around the base of the teeth.

What causes teeth to decay?

Common causes of rotten or decayed teeth that your Dentist Gosford commonly treats in their dental clinic include:

• Consumption of sugary or starchy foods.
• Failure to follow proper dental hygiene, such as consistent brushing and flossing.
• Failure to get regular dental check-ups and cleans at a dentist near me that will remove plaque from the surface of your tooth enamel.

Rotten teeth start when plaque builds up on your teeth. If left in place, this plaque can become acidic and break down tooth enamel. Once it has broken through the exterior of the teeth it can then affect the inside of the tooth, including the dentin and the pulp.

In the best-case scenario, the damage is relatively superficial. In the worst-case scenario, tooth decay can lead to an infection, pain, and the need for a comprehensive treatment such as dental implants.

What can I do about my rotten teeth?

In its early stages, cavities caused by decay may need to be filled. If the pulp of the tooth shows signs of infection, a root canal treatment may be necessary to remove the infected matter and replace it with a sterile material. If the tooth structure is weakened or visually compromised a crown may be recommended by your dental clinic near me. If the tooth requires removal a dental implant can fill the gap, keeping your teeth in place and restoring your ability to bite and chew.

If you suspect you have rotten teeth, the best approach is to organise a check-up at a dental clinic near me such as Coastal Dental. Your dentist Central Coast or dentist Gosford will then be able to advise on the best treatment strategy, from a root canal to dental implants, or even notice additional decay you could not spot at home. Contact (02) 4322 6617 to book an appointment at our emergency dentist today.