Do cavities always get worse even if taken care of? cuz I can't get to a dentist...?

I have temporary nervous system damage that has left me homebound. Recently, I noticed my very back of my last tooth on the right hand side has broken off a peice. It was cracked, now it has a hole in it. I think it might be black on the inside of the hole but I can't tell if it is or its just a shadow, the rest of the tooth isn't discolored. Anyhow, it doesn't really hurt. If I brush 3 times a day and rinse with salt water can I ward off infection until I am well enough to go to the dentist? Or does anyone know how to find a dentist who makes house calls in Rhode Island? Do cavities always get worse even if you take special care of them? I am already on a diet of pureed food because I have trouble swallowing btw. Thanks. Also do all teeth that rot get infected or can teeth just rot right out without an infection as long as you keep bacteria at bay? (mine isn't but just like to think of all worse case scenarios.)

Do cavities always get worse even if taken care of? cuz I can't get to a dentist...?
Your cavity/broken tooth will get worse if you don't have it taken care of by a dentist. The rate at which it gets worse varies from person to person, but it is inevitable. If a tooth has decay that travels to the pulp, or nerve of the tooth, the tooth will die and become infected. Then the only thing that can be done is to remove the dead, infected material by removing the tooth, or removing and replacing the pulp/nerve, by having a root canal. Most root canal treated teeth will require a crown to prevent the tooth from fracturing.


I hope you recover quickly and can see a dentist soon.
Reply:Once the rot gets inside, it may stay infected even if you brush the surface. This is a question for dentists where you live. Try calling the local dental society and asking for help. It would be difficult for a dentist to make a house call because they wouldn't have the right equipment or lighting with them. Their might be a mobile dental unit, however, that could drive up to your house if you can come out. Or, their might be a local service like Faith in Action (www.faithinaction.org), where a volunteer could drive you to the dentist.
Reply:Leaving any tooth ailment untreated is dangerous, particularly if you are ill to begin with. The bacteria can spread to the brain causing a stroke. It may also run through your blood stream causing sepsis. Please find away to see a dentist. Consult one of your doctors.
Reply:The tooth can get worse even if you do that. the best thing to do is go to the dentist. because youre already sick, the infection of the tooth can worsen your condition