Early tooth decay may look like a white spot on the tooth. If the decay is more advanced, it may appear as a darker spot or a hole in the tooth. The dentist can also check the teeth for soft or sticky areas or take an x-ray, which can show decay.
Fillings, also called restorations, are the main treatment option when decay has progressed beyond the earliest stage. Fillings are made of various materials, such as tooth-colored composite resins, porcelain or dental amalgam that is a combination of several materials. Crowns.
brown, black, or white spots on the tooth. bad breath. unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Fortunately, the beginning stages of a cavity can be reversed by taking steps toward good oral hygiene. During early demineralization, exposure to fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleanings can all help prevent — or even reverse — tooth decay.
It's due to eating a lot of sugars and starches and not cleaning your teeth well. When sugars and starches aren't cleaned off your teeth, bacteria quickly begin feeding on them and form plaque. Plaque that stays on your teeth can harden under or above your gum line into tartar (calculus).
For all the good brushing does, it will not eliminate the cavity. The bottom line is you do not have the power to stop your cavity from growing. Your cavity will gradually expand to the point that it moves into the pulp chamber and spurs pain. If the cavity reaches the pulp of the tooth, it will require a root canal.
A decaying tooth results in a foul smell. If you develop bad breath or notice an odd odor coming from your mouth, you might have one or several rotten teeth. Halitosis is one of the most common indications of decayed teeth. Visit us as soon as possible for an analysis, cleaning, filling or other dental restoration.
Every Cavity Is Different. The time it takes for a cavity to form varies. It can, on average, take anywhere from six months to four or five years before a cavity requires treatment. The length of time it takes will vary on a case-by-case basis because the conditions of your mouth differ daily.
It can take up to two years, but with the absolute absence of oral hygiene, it can occur as early as within three weeks. By catching a tooth decay early, your dentist can be able to address the problem and prevent further decay.
Untreated cavities can cause pain and infections that may lead to problems with eating, speaking, playing, and learning. Untreated cavities can lead to abscess (a severe infection) under the gums which can spread to other parts of the body and have serious, and in rare cases fatal, results.
Can Cavities Spread to Other Teeth? Cavities can't spread to other teeth, but they certainly have an impact on the rest of your mouth. First of all, the conditions that create a cavity on one tooth certainly can develop into cavities on your other teeth.
Extraction is usually necessary when the decay is too pervasive to stop and/or the gums are too infected to offer support and structure to your teeth. In these cases all the affected teeth will have to be extracted.
Bacteria will eventually get to exposed soft tissues in the pulp chamber when the decay is left untreated. This leads to an infection, which leads to excruciating toothaches. A tooth infection can spread to areas like the brain where it can be life-threatening.
Because the dentine is softer, it will also be more prone to dental decay causing a black tooth. You should see a dentist about this; however, it would not be considered an emergency appointment unless it is accompanied by pain.
One week without brushing:
As soon as a week goes by, your teeth' enamel will start to break down. The plaque that hasn't been removed will make it easy for bad breath to grow. A dirty tooth will make it hard to clean. You will have a greater chance of getting cavities if you don't brush your teeth for a week.
They can smell like rotten eggs or onion, for example. If bad breath isn't cleared up by brushing your teeth or using mouthwash, it may be a sign of another issue. Over time, bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Decay and gum disease do not smell good.
Tooth Decay
However, when a cavity is left untreated, it will get larger. Larger cavities don't cause pain until the decay reaches the nerves. While not all large cavities require having a tooth pulled, it's possible you need a tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be repaired.
Tooth Infection
Not only can this create a bitter taste in your mouth, but it can make your breath smell like pus. Brushing your teeth will get rid of the exposed pus, but the odor may linger, especially if the pus continues to ooze.
If your cavity hurts, it's not too late to save your tooth. When cavities are small, they tend not to hurt too much, but they'll start to cause pain as they grow. That's usually when you notice them. With a visit to your dentist in Wilmington, we can often save your tooth!
However, a simple salt water rinse can be an excellent addition to your oral cleaning regime, as it will help remove food debris stuck between your teeth so that decay and gum disease are warded off.