A tooth may begin to smell for a variety of reasons. However, tooth decay is the most prevalent cause of this. When bacteria in the mouth start feeding on the tooth, they can generate an odor, making the tooth smell awful.
This bacterium accumulates on the teeth over time, feasting on the plaque and food particles in the mouth and eventually eroding the tooth enamel. The rotting tooth matter will begin to smell as it deteriorates.
If the tooth is not treated, it will grow brittle and may fracture, chip, or even shatter. However, then, how can we combat this issue? Read on to learn how to stop a rotten tooth from smelling.
Why Does Rotten Tooth Smell
Tooth decay smells because acids are formed when bacteria in the mouth feed on food particles left behind after meals, slowly eroding the tooth. As a result, the enamel deteriorates, resulting in holes or “cavities” in the tooth.
Bacteria can infiltrate the tooth’s softer inner layers through the holes. Bacteria can cause severe deterioration if they reach these inner layers. Because of the waste generated by the bacteria, decaying teeth can emit an unpleasant smell.
This waste contains sulfur compounds, which have a strong, unpleasant smell. The smell is significantly worse if the decay has extended to the inner pulp of the tooth since the inner pulp includes nerve endings that transmit a signal to the brain that the tooth is under attack.
The scent intensifies as the germs generate more decomposition. In addition to the odor, an infected rotten tooth can cause a foul taste, discomfort, and pain. If the infection is not treated, the discomfort and smell will worsen until the illness is eradicated.
How to Treat Rotten Tooth Smell
1. Maintaining a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Brushing your teeth and gums for 2 minutes every morning and night is a fantastic technique to address the rotten tooth smell at home, provided you have already sought treatment from your dentist.
Flossing with dental floss or a water flosser once a day and using mouthwash on a regular basis can also help battle the germs that cause rotten tooth smell and tooth decay smell.
2. Regular Dental Checkups
You must contact your dentist as soon as you discover a tooth decay or rotten tooth smell. If the smell is caused by tooth decay or rotting teeth, only your dentist can cure these oral health problems. Decaying or rotten teeth must be expertly treated in order to save the teeth and safeguard oral health.
3. Eat a Balanced Diet
To avoid additional tooth decay, eat a balanced diet and restrict your intake of sugary and acidic foods. Consume more crunchy, fibrous fruits and vegetables to aid in the removal of germs and debris from your teeth.
4. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help neutralize bad breath and keep your mouth environment healthy.
5. Ingredients in Use
The dental care products you use on a regular basis are pretty important. Suppose you have bad breath, halitosis, or dental decay. In that case, it is critical to use toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash that has been mainly designed to target bad breath, halitosis, and tooth decay.
To get the most significant benefits, make sure the substances in your dental care basics are clean, active, and professionally proven. Look for the chemicals fluoride and chlorhexidine, which will help to prevent bad breath.
6. Consider home remedies
While not a long-term remedy, home remedies such as saltwater rinses and the use of natural antibiotics can give short relief from the odor.
