What Causes a Dead Tooth to Die?

Rotten teeth are the result of the demineralization of tooth enamel by the acid-producing bacteria that normally grow the human mouth. The erosive power of this chemical process is why cavities and rotting teeth appear discolored and ofttimes translucent. In so-called "best case" scenarios, the acid responsible for rotting teeth will create a small dental cavity. In worst-case scenarios, the acid will eat through the enamel and dentin into the pulp of the tooth producing first a toothache and then a dead tooth.

Dental Fillings:

Dental fillings are used to repair damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth. Structural damage can be caused as a result of tooth decay, wear or trauma. After the removal of a problematic tooth structure, the tooth is restored with one of several filling materials: gold, amalgam, composite resin (white filling material) or porcelain. Each filling material has its advantages and disadvantages. Your dentist will work with you to determine which material is appropriate for you.

Root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. The hollowed-out tooth is filled with an antibacterial filling, and the tooth is "capped" with a crown for protection. Endodontists specialize in performing root canal therapy, though general dentists also often perform the restorative procedure.

Dentures are removable false teeth made of acrylic (plastic) or metal. They fit snugly over the gums to replace missing teeth and eliminate potential problems caused by gaps. 

Gaps left by missing teeth can cause problems with eating and speech, and teeth either side of the gap may grow into the space at an angle. Sometimes all the teeth need to be removed and replaced.

You may therefore need either:

• Complete dentures (a full set),which replace all your upper or lower teeth, or
• Partial dentures, which replace just one or a few missing teeth

Dentures can help prevent the above problems and, if complete dentures are needed, can improve the appearance of your smile, fill out your face and give you confidence.

Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be an embarrassing problem. It can be caused by the foods you eat, dry mouth, tobacco products, or a medical disorder. Maintaining proper oral health can help reduce or eliminate bad breath.

Bad Breath Causes

Halitosis (bad breath) is mostly caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that normally live on the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Sometimes, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate and odorous volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) are released from the back of the tongue and throat. Halitosis is not infectious. About 2.4% of the adult population suffers from bad breath.

Apart from the sulphur-producing bacteria that colonise the back of the tongue, the other major causes of halitosis are:

• Dental factors – such as periodontitis (infection around the teeth) or poor oral hygiene
• Dry mouth – caused by medicines, alcohol, stress or a medical condition
• Smoking – which starves the mouth of oxygen.

Less common causes of halitosis include:

• Acid and bile reflux from the stomach
• Post-nasal discharge – for example, due to chronic sinusitis
• Kidney failure, various carcinomas, metabolic dysfunctions, and biochemical disorders, together account for only a very small percentage of halitosis suffers
• Foods - such as onions, garlic or cauliflower, which induce certain odours. However, these effects are only short-lived.