Medical Term for Rotting Teeth
The medical term for rotting teeth is "dental caries" or simply "caries," which represents an infectious disease process where acidic bacterial metabolites dissolve tooth enamel and dentin, progressing to cavitation and potential pulpal invasion. 1
Understanding the Disease Process
Dental caries is fundamentally an infectious disease caused by cariogenic bacteria, most notably Streptococcus mutans, which ferment dietary carbohydrates to produce acids that erode dental enamel. 1 The disease requires three components to develop:
- Cariogenic bacteria (primarily Streptococcus mutans) 1
- Fermentable carbohydrates as substrate for bacterial acid production 1
- Host susceptibility including compromised enamel integrity and reduced salivary buffering capacity 1
Clinical Progression and Terminology
When dental caries remains untreated, the dissolution progresses through distinct stages:
- Initial demineralization of enamel surface 2
- Cavitation with visible tooth structure loss 2
- Bacterial invasion of dental pulp when decay penetrates deeply 2
- Pulpal infection and abscess formation in advanced cases 2
In children under 6 years, the specific term "early childhood caries" (ECC) is used, which was previously called "baby-bottle tooth decay." 1 The more severe form is termed "severe early childhood caries" (S-ECC) when multiple teeth are affected or when the disease is particularly aggressive. 1
Special Considerations in Diabetes
Patients with diabetes, particularly those with poor glycemic control, face increased risk for dental caries due to multiple factors:
- Elevated salivary glucose concentrations that provide additional substrate for cariogenic bacteria 3, 4
- Increased oral acidity from metabolic changes 4
- Reduced salivary flow rate and salivary gland dysfunction 4
- Higher levels of cariogenic organisms including Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli in supragingival plaque 3
However, the literature shows some controversy, as certain studies report similar or even reduced caries levels in well-controlled diabetic patients who restrict sugar intake. 5, 4
Clinical Significance Beyond the Oral Cavity
Untreated dental caries represents far more than a localized oral problem—it creates pathways for systemic infection:
- Bacteremia occurs when bacteria access the bloodstream through infected dental pulp 2
- Endocarditis, meningitis, mediastinitis, vertebral osteomyelitis, hepatobiliary infections, and prosthetic joint infections have all been linked to oral organisms from untreated caries 2
- Aspiration pneumonia risk increases, particularly in elderly or institutionalized patients with poor oral hygiene 2
Important Clinical Caveats
Never dismiss dental caries as merely cosmetic—it is the most prevalent infectious disease and chronic disease of children globally. 1, 6 The disease burden extends to significant morbidity including:
- Pain and dental abscesses that can rarely progress to death 1
- Nutritional deficiencies including iron-deficiency anemia and low vitamin D in children with severe disease 1
- Malocclusion from premature tooth loss 1
- Dramatically reduced quality of life affecting eating, speaking, and social functioning 1
In patients with poor oral hygiene and underlying conditions like diabetes, aggressive preventive measures are essential, including fluoride supplementation, dietary carbohydrate restriction, and frequent dental monitoring every 3-6 months rather than annual visits. 1