What Are The Causes of A Rotten Tooth?
Poor dental hygiene is the leading cause of rotting teeth, also known as tooth decay. Teeth develop cavities when plaque, a film-like bacteria texture, attaches to them. Made up of sugars and minerals, plaque appears as a colourless film over the teeth and releases acid when it mixes with sugar in our foods. This acid destroys the enamel of the teeth [1].
Brushing and flossing daily reduces plaque, which means healthy and strong teeth. Brushing day and night, twice daily, is recommended; flossing daily is encouraged [1].
Sugar and carbohydrates may contribute to tooth rot because those foods stick to the teeth. Sugar feeds bacteria; the more bacteria in your mouth, the more acid is secreted into your mouth. Too many acidic drinks (soda and juices) and acid reflux disease cause tooth decay as well [1].
If your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to help wash plaque and bacteria from your teeth, you can become more susceptible to decay or rot by allowing a build-up of more plaque and acid in your mouth [1].
If your teeth have deep crevices, you can develop cavities. Plaque can accumulate in those grooves, eating away at your teeth [1].
Fluoride is a natural mineral that creates a barrier around teeth, strengthening the tightly packed surface and making it stronger and more cavity-resistant. Failure to use fluoride in toothpaste or drinking water from a municipal source increases your risk for cavities [1].
Tooth decay can also happen very early if your child falls asleep nursing a bottle of milk, juice or formula in his or her mouth or if you dip a pacifier in sugar or honey. In both cases, the sugar can collect around the teeth, leading to tooth decay [1].
Does Diet Promote Rotten Teeth?
Yes, diet can significantly contribute to the development of rotten teeth, also known as tooth decay or dental caries.
Sugar and other carbohydrates in our diet can cause tooth decay. Food containing either of these is left on the teeth after eating. This can be food for bacteria in our oral cavities, and the more the bacteria mouths have, the more acid will be produced for a faster breakdown of the enamel of your tooth, the outer part of your tooth [1].
Fermentable carbohydrates in the presence of dental plaque microorganisms frequently contribute to dental caries. Intake of sugared or acidic soft drinks or medicinal sweeteners may damage the teeth [2, 3].
Intriguingly, a study revealed that ‘dental decomposition’ is higher among children who eat a low-sugar but high-phosphorus diet (6.58%, n=661 ) versus a low-sugar and low-phosphorus-containing diet (5.02%, n=413) [4].
Furthermore, an inverse association was found between diet quality and dental caries in Korean adults while adjusting for age and sex. The odds ratio for untreated caries was 1.57 for the lowest quartile of diet quality, 1.38 for the second quartile and 1.32 for the third quartile compared with the highest quartile of diet quality [5].
Risk Factors of Rotten Teeth
One of the leading causes of rotten teeth, called tooth decay, is terrible oral hygiene. People who neglect their teeth and don't brush them at least twice a day and floss at least once a day can cause plaque, one of the major causes of rotten teeth [1].
Sugary or starchy foods and drinks are another important cause. Adhering to the teeth, they present bacteria with an organic source to generate acid, dissolving the enamel [6].
Some medical conditions and treatments, such as dry mouth, can also increase tooth decay risk. If someone doesn’t have enough saliva (known as xerostomia), usually because of illness, medicines, or cancer treatment, they have an increased decay risk. Saliva helps to rinse away plaque and bacteria, so if there isn’t enough, plaque and acid levels increase [6].
Age is another risk factor. Very young children – especially those who suck on bottles for long periods and are constantly exposed to sugars – as well as the elderly, with receding gums and more wear on the teeth, are at particular risk [6].
Lack of fluoride, a mineral that hardens the casing of the tooth (the enamel), can also result in decay, such as when you don’t brush with a fluoride-based toothpaste or drink from a city-supplied reservoir that has fluoride [1].
Finally, certain lifestyle habits can increase the risk of tooth decay. Smoking is a significant risk factor for tooth loss [7].
Can You Die From A Rotten Tooth?
The answer is yes, a person can die of a rotten tooth. However, such deaths are rare, especially with access to routine dental care and hygiene.
Poor oral hygiene and too many sugary foods can cause tiny holes to erode a tooth from inside, forming a rotten tooth, also known as tooth decay or a cavity. Teeth are hard, but the bacteria in the mouth make acid from the sugar of foods, and the acid eaten inside the tooth eventually causes the tooth to decay. If left for too long, a rotten tooth can be so damaged that it loosens from the gum and falls out [1].
Tooth decay can lead to a tooth infection, which can spread to other tissues in your body within weeks or months, leading to potentially life-threatening complications [8].
Further studies have identified a link between poor oral health and increased mortality. Tooth caries (decay) and loss are significant contributors. For example, a study followed 3273 participants between ages 30 and 40 years who had periodontitis and/or missing molars and found them at increased risk of death from life-threatening illnesses, such as neoplasms, and diseases of the circulatory and digestive systems [9].
Another study found that individuals with severe tooth loss were more likely to die, with a hazard ratio of 1.45 [10].
However, it's important to remember that these studies show associations, not causation, and other factors could be at play.
In conclusion, while it is possible to die from complications related to a rotten tooth, it is sporadic, especially with proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.