A frequent dental complaint is bad or rotten teeth. Although these terms may seem vague, your dentist will immediately understand what you mean when you say that you are suffering from bad teeth. This is because bad or rotten teeth represent tooth decay, known within the dental industry as dental caries.
Caries, a Latin term, can be translated as “rot” or “rotten.” Dental caries, or bad teeth, is a destructive dental disease that can result in cavities or holes in the teeth. Afflicting mainly children and adolescents, bad teeth are the largest cause of tooth loss in those populations.
Causes
Rotten teeth are caused by the interaction of three factors: specific bacteria found in plaque, sugar, and a susceptible tooth surface. Plaque contains bacteria that produce acid as a by-product of sugar consumption. Because sugar is consumed by plaque as energy, it is difficult to avoid sugar consumption. However, the acid produced by bacteria found in plaque can cling to a person’s teeth. Over time, this acid will eat away at the enamel, the outermost layer of the teeth, leading to the development of rotten teeth.
Prevention
Although rotten teeth can be treated in a number of ways, the best way to prevent them is by maintaining good dental hygiene. Proper brushing twice a day and daily flossing are essential to prevent tooth decay. This personal regimen should be combined with professional care that includes two trips yearly to a dentist for examination and cleaning.
Additionally, the use of daily sealants is an excellent preventative measure against bad teeth. Sealants are thin plastic-like coatings that are applied to the chewing surfaces of the molars. Sealants can usually be applied to a child’s teeth after her molars have erupted. The benefit of sealants is that they are able to prevent plaque from accumulating in the deep grooves of a user’s mouth.
Fluoride is another strong form of protection from developing rotten teeth. Dentists highly recommend the regular use of toothpaste that contains a good amount of fluoride.
Treatment
If you currently suffer from bad teeth, it is imperative that you visit a dentist for treatment. If dental caries continues to exist without being treated, the decay can reach the teeth’s nerve endings, causing great pain. However, a dentist is able to treat a bad tooth by removing the rotten part with a specialized drill. The dentist will then place a filling in the hole.
By treating bad or rotten teeth, you will be doing yourself a great favor. With excellent dental health, you will have a good smile, which is a valuable trait in personal and professional interactions. If you have less than a perfect smile, you may be interested in obtaining a cosmetic dental treatment.
