Does tooth decay easily cause bad breath?

Written by Fang Xiao
Dentistry
Updated on October 24, 2024
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Cavities can easily cause bad breath. If there are cavities, food will remain in the holes of the cavities, get stuck, and ultimately compress the gums, and it will be difficult to clean. Foods are prone to ferment and produce acids causing bad odors, and the gums can also become inflamed, and even suppurate, which also produces bad smells. Therefore, if you have cavities, you should go to a regular hospital's dental department and receive targeted treatment under the guidance of a dentist. It is essential to develop good oral hygiene habits, brush your teeth in the morning and evening using the internationally recognized Bass brushing technique, rinse your mouth after meals, learn to use dental floss to remove food residues in tooth gaps, and treat cavities promptly to prevent them from deepening and causing more severe consequences.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
41sec home-news-image

How long does it generally take for the pain from a cavity to ease when biting?

When patients experience some occlusal pain due to tooth decay, the time it takes for relief depends on the patient's inflammation levels and the treatment measures taken. If the patient receives timely treatment and effectively alleviates the inflammation, it generally takes about a week to heal and relieve the pain. If the patient does not undergo treatment, the condition may worsen and the pain may persist longer. Therefore, when a patient has tooth decay, it is best to visit a hospital for a consultation. Treatment should be administered based on the extent of the decayed tooth, and in severe cases of decay, tooth extraction might be necessary.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Permanent tooth decay

Permanent tooth decay refers to the decay occurring in newly erupted teeth. The most common case is the first permanent molar, also known as the six-year molar, which emerges quietly in the mouth at the age of six. Once this tooth emerges, it cannot be replaced for life. If this tooth decays, it is necessary to fill the tooth as soon as possible; otherwise, if the decay reaches the dental nerve, it could lead to pulpitis. Alternatively, for newly erupted teeth, sealants should be applied to the pits and fissures of the teeth to slow down the pace of decay. Permanent tooth decay requires us to intervene with treatment as early as possible; otherwise, it may cause pain or even tooth loss.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
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If a cavity is not thoroughly cleaned before being filled, what will happen?

When a patient has severe dental caries and undergoes filling, if the decay is not completely removed before filling, it may lead to reinfection and residual decay, continuing to cause inflammation. Therefore, it is recommended that the decay be completely removed before filling. In such cases, it is generally safe for patients to seek treatment at a formal dental hospital. Official hospitals adhere to strict standards, effectively cleaning the affected area for filling and repair. Therefore, patients need not be overly anxious; this type of procedure is quite common in dentistry. Patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene in daily life and seek timely medical attention when dental caries occur.

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Written by Wang Peng
Dentistry
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What should I do about bad breath caused by dental caries?

If a patient is suffering from dental caries that have already caused bad breath, the situation requires active treatment targeting the dental caries. Due to the ease with which food residue and bacteria can accumulate in cavities, this will cause an odor in the mouth. Initially, it is essential to clear out food debris, bacteria, and any decayed material from the cavity. If the cavity is shallow, it can be directly filled with light-cured resin material. After the cavity is filled, the patient's bad breath symptoms should be alleviated. However, if the cavity is deep, it should first be treated with a pulp-protecting base before filling. If the dental nerve is affected, causing pulpitis, root canal treatment must be conducted first.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
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Can a cavity that exposes the dental pulp be filled?

Cavities that expose the dental pulp cannot be directly filled in one session. Treatment of the tooth must be carried out before filling. In the early stages of a cavity, only the hard tissue of the tooth is damaged. If the decayed part is removed promptly and the dental nerve is not exposed, the tooth can be directly filled in one session. However, if the cavity progresses to the point where the dental pulp, or nerve, is exposed, this requires a nerve removal procedure. After the nerve is killed, the root canal is sealed with medication, and following inflammation control, the root canal is filled. Only after root canal treatment can the tooth be filled. Otherwise, the inflammation may further develop into apical inflammation, or even lead to space infections causing facial swelling.