Rotten tooth: 4 main causes (and how to treat)

Rotten teeth are a condition that can be caused by situations such as poor oral hygiene, low water intake, use of medication or high consumption of foods rich in sugar, such as ice cream, chewing gum, cakes or cookies, for example.

Rotten teeth are a popular term used in cases of severe tooth decay, which severely damages the teeth, causing symptoms such as bad breath, visible holes in the teeth, tooth pain, sensitivity to hot, cold and acidic foods, and can lead to tooth loss. teeth in adults and children.

In the presence of symptoms and signs that may indicate the presence of a rotten tooth, it is recommended to consult the dentist to carry out a complete evaluation and indicate the most appropriate treatment, which may include restoration, creating a root canal, removing the tooth or dental implant.

Main causes of rotten teeth

The main causes of rotten teeth are:

1. Better oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene, which includes not brushing your teeth and flossing daily, can encourage the development of bacterial plaque and cavities, which can progress to rotten teeth.

2. Dry mouth

Dry mouth, which can be caused by low water intake or the use of medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensives and cancer medications, is one of the factors that favor the appearance of rotten teeth. This is because dryness in the mouth favors the concentration of bacteria that cause the formation of bacterial plaque and cavities. Learn about other causes of dry mouth.

3. High intake of foods rich in sugar

Excessive intake of foods rich in sugar, such as cake, ice cream, candy and gum, can cause rotten teeth. This happens because the main bacteria related to cavities, Streptococcus mutansdevelops when there are large amounts of sugar in the mouth.

4. Fluoride deficiency

Rotten teeth can appear in cases of fluoride deficiency, because this mineral is important for strengthening and preventing tooth wear and bacterial infection, preventing tooth decay. Understand better what fluoride is for.

Children’s rotten tooth

Rotten teeth in children can be caused by baby bottle tooth decay, an infection caused by the regular consumption of sugary drinks and poor oral hygiene habits, which favors the proliferation of microorganisms and the development of tooth decay, which can cause pain and changes in speech and in chewing. Learn more about baby bottle tooth decay.

What is the treatment like?

Rotten tooth treatment must be carried out by a dentist and, regardless of its cause, may include restorations, root canals or extraction, for example.

1. Restoration

Tooth restoration is a procedure carried out at the dentist, and is recommended for the treatment of cavities, fractured or chipped teeth, for example. Restorations can be made with resin, which is a material with the same color as the tooth, or silver amalgam, as it is more durable. See how the main types of restoration are done.

2. Root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is a procedure where the canals inside the root of the tooth are cleaned, removing the pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, to relieve dental pain, repair and save, preventing its extraction. Learn more about root canal treatment.

This type of treatment is indicated when the pulp of the tooth is very damaged or infected, which usually happens in situations of rotten teeth.

3. Crown placement

The placement of a crown is a porcelain, resin or ceramic covering that replaces the entire natural crown of the tooth, and is recommended for rotten, broken or weak teeth.

4. Tooth extraction

Tooth extraction, known scientifically as exodontia, is a tooth extraction surgery that is indicated in cases of rotten or broken teeth, removal of wisdom or baby teeth, but also for the removal of teeth for treatment with dental braces. Understand better when tooth extraction is indicated.

5. Dental implant

A dental implant is a procedure that consists of fixing a pin in the jaw to serve as support for the placement of a tooth, and is recommended in cases of tooth loss due to deep cavities, periodontitis or infections, for example.

How to avoid rotten teeth

Some tips to avoid rotten teeth are:

• Brush your teeth daily, at least twice a day. Know how to brush your teeth correctly;
• Use dental floss daily;
• Reduce the consumption of sugar and foods that contain it, such as sweets, gum, ice cream, soft drinks and cakes;
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.

In addition, it is also recommended to go to the dentist twice a year to do a deeper cleaning of your teeth, completely removing bacterial plaque and apply a thin layer of fluoride to your teeth. See how fluoride is applied.