The pain from a rotting tooth may be severe and ongoing or only triggered by hot or cold temperatures. Continual bad breath is another sign of tooth damage.
However, it’s possible that your dentist will suggest a crown or another procedure after working to prepare a tooth for a filling.
You may also need to get a root canal before a crown if the dentist believes the roots of the tooth are dead as well.
For example, if your dentist suspects gingivitis, they may give you a prescription mouthwash to use. Getting twice yearly teeth cleanings also prevents the accumulation of plaque, which can lead to cavities.
The mouthwash will likely come with a dosage cup for you to use and specific instructions regarding how long and how often to rinse.
Ask your dentist about fluoride toothpaste. This is a great way to get extra fluoride if a coating treatment is not an option. If your child is suffering from rotting teeth, be careful when using fluoride toothpaste or treatments. Exposing a child to extra fluoride can actually speed up any damage to teeth.
Most dentists will not seal teeth that are already beginning to rot due to cavities. This would only trap the bad bacteria inside. Talk with your dentist about other options for those damaged teeth.
If you have a young child who suffers from rotting teeth, you may want to supervise their brushing. Over-brushing can wear down your teeth over time and lead to cavities. Try not to brush your teeth more than 3 times per day, unless your dentist suggests otherwise.
Be aware that most mouthwashes are not okay for children to use, even if they suffer from rotting teeth.
