Bacteria are abundant in the mouth and can form plaque by combining with saliva and tiny food particles. Consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods and drinks, especially sugary beverages and candies, helps these bacteria get the energy they need by converting the carbohydrates into energy and simultaneously producing acid. Plaque can be removed by regular teeth brushing but if it is left untreated, it can break down your tooth and the rotten teeth pictures will be the final outcome.

Symptoms of Rotten Teeth

Rotten teeth result from the continuous breakdown of the tooth's surface which ultimately leads to tooth decay. Here are symptoms and rotten teeth pictures:

1. Black Tooth

Cavities appear as black specks on a tooth. If a person does not address the problem, then the bacteria and plaque that creates the cavity will turn the entire tooth black. This is an indication that the root of the tooth is about to die and there isn't any pulp, dentin or enamel left to keep the tooth alive.

2. Bad Breath

Rotten teeth create a very bad smell in the mouth, giving the person bad breath. Whenever anything dies or decays it causes a foul smell and the same is true for teeth as well. When the teeth are decaying, they too produce a bad odor which is instantly noticeable.

3. Change in Tooth Size

As the acid produced by the bacteria eats away the layer of enamel covering the tooth, you might start noticing that the tooth is losing its characteristic shape and size. Rotten teeth pictures show the teeth having a significantly reduced size. The teeth grow even smaller and thinner as the bacteria keeps on eating the dentin and pulp.

4. Tooth Falling Off

Falling of the tooth is the most noticeable symptom of rotten teeth. The tooth turns black because of the dying of the root and as the root dies out, it loses its control until finally the dead tooth just breaks off.

5. Other Symptoms

• The rotten tooth would have nothing left in it and if left untreated, the bacteria will inevitably make its way to the neighboring teeth.
• Your tooth will become sensitive and painful each time you drink something hot or cold.
• If no treatment is received, then it can further lead to swelling of the glands, pulsating pain and fever.

What Causes Rotten Teeth?

As we can see from these rotten teeth pictures, this can be a really serious problem. The main cause of rotten teeth is the destruction of the structure of the tooth. There are a number of factors that can lead to the rotting of the teeth.

1. Bacterial Infection

Small particles of food are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. As the bacteria consume the food particles, they discharge acids, which target the teeth. Overtime, these acids can totally destroy the enamel layer, causing the tooth to rot and decay.

2. Clean Your Teeth Inappropriately

Not using proper brushing or flossing technique for cleaning your teeth can lead to tooth decay. Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth.

3. Poor Overall Health

Poor overall health can slow down the immune system, making the body incapable of preventing the growth of bacteria as well as the acidic saliva that it secretes.

4. Dry Mouth

People with dry mouth don't generate enough saliva which results in the buildup of acids that cause tooth decay. Saliva is also needed for keeping the gums healthy.

5. Too Much Acid

Exposure of the tooth to excess external acid can also lead to tooth decay. Stomach acid can cause heartburn and can affect the health of the gums too.

6. Eating Sugars

Eating few sweets does not cause problems for you. However, make sure that you rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating anything sweet to stop the bacteria from developing in the sweetened saliva.

How to Treat Rotten Teeth

Rotten teeth are not a pleasant sight as can be seen in the rotten teeth pictures. The following are some of the treatment options.

1. Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment can help in restoring the enamel if the cavity is relatively new. This treatment is available in the form of varnish, foam, gel or liquid that is brushed onto your teeth. Each treatment takes only a few minutes.

2. Fillings

Fillings are restorations that are made up of a number of different materials including porcelain and composite resins which almost look like real teeth. Fillings are used if decay has progressed further and has eroded the enamel layer.

3. Crowns

Crowns are required for extremely weakened teeth. It is a custom made covering that fits on top of the tooth's natural crown. Dental crowns are available in a number of materials like resin, porcelain and gold.

4. Root Canals

Root canals become necessary if the tooth decay reaches the pulp present inside the tooth. This treatment method can save and repair an infected tooth by removing the diseased tooth pulp and replacing it with a filling.

5. Tooth Extraction

If the tooth has become too decayed that saving it is impossible, then it has to be extracted. Tooth extractions cause gaps in between teeth which can be filled by making use of dental implants or bridges.