Yes, tooth decay can smell bad. When food particles and sugars mix with the bacteria in your mouth, they can produce an unpleasant odor. The smell of tooth decay is usually described as foul, pungent, or putrid. It can range from mild to strong, depending on the severity of the decay.
The smell of decay is usually noticeable when a person has an abscess, or a pocket of infection, around a tooth. The infection can produce a thick, yellow-green fluid known as pus that has a very strong, putrid smell. If the decay is more advanced, it can even produce a smell that some people have described as rotten eggs.
In addition to the smell, tooth decay can cause other symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, and bad breath. If you think you may have tooth decay, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible for a check-up. They can diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment options for you. This can help to prevent further damage to your teeth and stop the bad smell from getting worse.