HomeAnswersDentistrystained teethI can see my teeth rotting. Please help.

Innermost teeth on bottom row seem to be rotting away. What exactly is happening?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 9, 2018
Reviewed AtFebruary 21, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had sensed my gums swelling up on the inside for a while and when I took a picture of it today, I saw my two innermost teeth on the bottom row seem to be rotting away. I wanted to understand what is happening to me before I go to a dentist.

Answered by Dr. Divya Banu M

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the image (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). These are the wisdom teeth and they have stains mostly because of smoking. There is no evidence of clinical cavity as for now, but can be confirmed after stain removal (scaling) and a clinical examination. The gums are swollen because of improper oral hygiene in that area (as the toothbrush cannot reach and clean properly there), food debris accumulation, and the traumatic bite, all causing inflammation of gums (gingivitis). For now, I suggest you do lukewarm water with salt gargling to reduce the inflammation in gums. If severe pain is there, then take a Paracetamol and do not chew anything hard on these surfaces. If the pain increases on chewing, the dentist can reduce the high points or the sharp points in the tooth surfaces in that area to give temporary relief. But, since you said it is occurring often, the permanent treatment is to get it removed (extracted) as this tooth is not much useful in chewing and in turn causes problems only. It is not an emergency. You can contact your dentist and plan it accordingly. And get a professional cleaning (scaling) once, to remove the stains and deposits and make your gums healthy and the teeth more esthetic. Take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Divya Banu M
Dr. Divya Banu M

Dentistry

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