Some people may not realize how improper oral care can have a negative impact on their overall health. Untreated tooth decay does not heal without treatment and usually worsens over time. When those with multiple cavities ignore their dental needs, they may be putting themselves at risk for a variety of other medical problems, some of which can have long-term physical effects.
Most forms of dental decay are caused when individuals do not brush long enough or fail to reach certain parts of the mouth, such as the rear molars. Over time, food particles get caught in the teeth and cause plaque and tartar, a hard, scaly film, to form on the teeth. This encourages bacteria to form and eat away at the teeth. Once the bacteria reach the dentin of the tooth, it forms cavities. Not only do these cavities usually cause pain, but they can also trigger other problems in the body if they go untreated.
When cavities form and become large enough to catch and trap bacteria, an infection may set in. As bacteria builds up, it can enter the bloodstream via saliva and cause infections elsewhere in the body. This can result in several different issues, including:
When cavities form, it can take some time for an infection to set in. However, once this occurs, it may take considerable time to reverse the tooth decay and heal the body, especially if multiple cavities are present.
A cavity can cause the dentin and roots inside a tooth to die, and when this happens, bacteria can cause an abscess around it. This is usually quite painful and can result in discomfort while chewing or speaking, as well as swelling in the gums near the tooth, which usually causes sensitivity and even bleeding. Because of the risk of serious infection, a tooth abscess will likely need attention from a dentist before it grows worse.
When a cavity goes untreated, tooth decay will likely continue until the damage becomes untreatable and a dentist must remove an affected tooth. Decaying teeth may also loosen and fall out or break on their own, a problem that can affect the surrounding teeth, causing them to shift. The longer a cavity is allowed to grow, the greater the risk of tooth loss.
Cavities can affect the entire mouth, including the gums. Infected teeth and increased bacteria may trigger gingivitis, or swelling of the gums. When this occurs, the gums become irritated and may bleed when affected individuals brush their teeth. If the cavity goes untreated, this swelling may become worse and eventually lead to loose teeth.
Untreated tooth decay can cause serious health issues in people of all ages. Brushing and flossing daily, as well as visiting a dentist for cleanings and regular exams, can prevent this problem and keep a smile beautiful and healthy for years to come.
Request an appointment here: http://www.drmccawley.com or call James R McCawley DDS at (615) 526-2497 for an appointment in our Murfreesboro office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
When there is an obstruction in the airway during sleep that results in loud sounds, snoring treatment from a dentist may be beneficial. Nearly everyone snores at some point, but for some individuals, it is a chronic problem. Although surgery may be recommended for severe cases, there are also oral devices that can reduce the…
Many dental patients find themselves needing a wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth, the third and last set of molars, usually erupt in a person’s late teens or early 20s. While some patients will have no problems with their wisdom teeth, these molars often become problematic and cause issues that require extraction.It is important for dental…
Dental veneers restore one’s smile with custom-fit shells. The dentist will place them on the front surface of the teeth to cover any damage and discoloration. Understanding the process of getting these restorations can help you prepare for your next appointment. Here are the details on what to expect when getting dental veneers.Consulting a general…
A skilled cosmetic dentist can take a smile that you are not confident in and transform it into something radiant. Whether you are self-conscious about the shade of your teeth or how they sit in your mouth, know that you do not have to live with blemishes and imperfections forever. A cosmetic dentist can help…
When there is an obstruction in the airway during sleep that results in loud sounds, snoring treatment from a dentist may be beneficial. Nearly everyone snores at some point, but for some individuals, it is a chronic problem. Although surgery may be recommended for severe cases, there are also oral devices that can reduce the…
Many dental patients find themselves needing a wisdom tooth extraction. Wisdom teeth, the third and last set of molars, usually erupt in a person’s late teens or early 20s. While some patients will have no problems with their wisdom teeth, these molars often become problematic and cause issues that require extraction.It is important for dental…