Rotting teeth represent dental decay that has gotten out of hand. The problem begins as bacteria in your mouth metabolize sugars into acids. Small holes called cavities form and, over time, grow larger. Left untreated, the decay can destroy large portions of teeth. The condition is usually painless until it becomes severe.
Causes
Your chances of developing cavities are high if you frequently subject your teeth to foods and drinks high in carbohydrates, including starches and sugars such as those found in soda, sweets and certain fruits, according to Dr. Dan Peterson, a dentist in Gering, Nebraska. A daily habit of sugar intake is frequently the culprit in serious decay cases, especially if you do not brush and floss regularly. Sipping a soda throughout the day, even if it is only one bottle, keeps your teeth constantly awash in sugar, notes Dr. Martin Spiller, a dentist in Townsend, Massachusetts. A variety of other substances, including fruit juices, honey, raisins, cough drops and chewing tobacco, can also lead to decay.
History
In the United States, tooth decay was not nearly the problem it is today prior to the advent of soft drinks in the late 1880s, Spiller writes. When America was still largely an agrarian society, people tended to eat little sugar--perhaps a slice of apple pie with a meal now and then. The upper classes took in a bit more sugar because they were more likely to engage in "recreational eating," according to Spiller. This was true historically in Europe, too. Queen Elizabeth I, who lived from 1533 to 1603, was known for her black teeth.
Locations
Some places that are particularly prone to decay are the surfaces that are in contact with other teeth, the fissures on the surfaces of your chewing teeth and the gum line area, Peterson writes. It is more difficult for the bristles of your toothbrush to reach these locations. Additionally, the areas around fillings or crowns are prone to decay because the uneven surface they create is harder to clean. People with gum disease and the receding gums that can result are likely to develop cavities in the newly exposed root area of their teeth, because that section has no enamel covering to protect it.
Treatment
Decay that is just beginning might respond to fluoride treatment, which helps the enamel to restore itself. A dental profession applies it in the form of a liquid, gel or foam, according to the Mayo Clinic. Established cavities typically require fillings, in which the dentist drills out all of the decayed area and replaces it with a material such as mercury, porcelain or a composite resin. In more advanced cases, the dentist may drill away a larger portion of the tooth and fit the remaining part with a crown, or remove the pulp of the tooth and replace it with a filling in what is known as a root canal. The worst cases of all necessitate tooth extraction.
Preventive Routine
A key to avoiding tooth decay is proper oral hygiene, according to Medline Plus, a health information site sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the National Library of Medicine. That involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, particularly after meals, and flossing at least once a day. Also crucial is a professional cleaning twice a year. A dentist can take X-rays during your visit to detect the beginnings of any cavities.
