Yes, a dead tooth often produces a foul odor. This unpleasant smell is a common symptom of tooth decay and death.
Why Does a Dead Tooth Smell?
When a tooth dies, the inner pulp (containing blood vessels and nerves) decomposes. This decaying tissue provides a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria break down the tooth structure, releasing gases that cause a distinct, foul smell. This smell is often described as resembling rotten meat or sulfur. The severity of the smell depends on the extent of the decay.
Multiple sources confirm this:
- Smart Dental Network: "The decaying tissue inside the tooth can also produce foul odors."
- Rifle Dental Care: "When bacteria proliferate in the crevices of a decaying tooth, they release foul-smelling gases, contributing to unpleasant breath odor." (https://rifledentalcare.com/blog/how-to-get-rid-of-bad-breath-from-a-rotten-tooth-a-step-by-step-guide/)
- Gentry Dentistry of Suwanee: "Foul Odor – As is often the case with something that is decaying and dying, a foul odor may be associated. When it comes to a dead tooth…" (https://www.gentrydentistryofsuwanee.com/post/four-signs-you-might-have-a-dead-or-dying-tooth)
- Omega Dental Houston: "Bad Smell is Common From Dead Teeth. When a tooth may die, they begin to smell like rotten meat." (https://omegadentists.com/blog/what-is-a-dead-tooth/)
- Oral Surgery of Utah: "A rotten tooth can cause many expensive oral health problems, but is bad breath one of them? Absolutely." (https://www.oralsurgeryofutah.com/2020/09/22/can-you-smell-a-rotten-tooth/)
- A Great Smile Dental: "Q: Does a rotten baby tooth smell? A: Yes, severely decayed baby teeth can emit foul odors due to pulp death and bacterial overgrowth…" (https://agreatsmiledental.com/las-vegas/sulfur-smell-in-tooth-decay/)
- Franklin Dental Supply: "A decaying or dead tooth can give off a foul smell, and the condition is called Halitosis. It's a common indicator of a dead tooth." (https://franklindental-supply.com/blogs/news/what-does-tooth-decay-smell-like)
In short: The smell is a consequence of bacterial decomposition of the dead tooth's internal tissues.
