Rotten Teeth: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Tooth decay that is left untreated leads to rotten teeth, where the structure breaks down from bacteria and acid. The earlier it is caught, the simpler and cheaper the fix.

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Symptoms and causes

Early decay may cause sensitivity to sweet, hot, or cold, or a small dark spot. As it advances, you may see visible holes, dark or brown patches, bad breath, and pain. It is caused by plaque bacteria feeding on sugars and producing acid that erodes enamel, made worse by infrequent cleaning and a high-sugar diet.

Treatment by stage

Early decay can sometimes be reversed with fluoride and better hygiene. A cavity needs a filling. Deeper decay reaching the nerve needs a root canal and crown. A tooth that is too far gone may need extraction and replacement. This is why catching it early saves both the tooth and money.

Stopping it from spreading

Decay does not stop on its own and can spread to neighboring teeth. A thorough exam, professional cleaning, and a plan to restore affected teeth halt the process. From there, daily brushing and flossing plus regular checkups keep it from coming back.