What Happens to Your Teeth if You Leave a Cavity Untreated
Tooth cavities are one of the most common dental problems. These can be typically resolved with simple dental procedures like fillings. But if you leave cavities untreated, they can lead to unimaginable dental complications. These can be almost impossible to treat then.
Most individuals are familiar with oral care and the treatment procedures related to tooth cavities. But most of them do not know what happens to a tooth if it is left untreated for long. In this article, we will take you through what happens with bad cavities. We will also cover the importance of maintaining oral hygiene as part of the daily routine. Here’s a summary of what to expect if cavities go untreated.
A Bad Cavity Paves the Way for More Cavities
Cavities don’t go away by themselves. As a cavity starts forming, the enamel starts weakening due to plaque buildup on the tooth. You can avoid a cavity in this stage by getting fluoride treatment done. If you keep delaying treatment, the cavity will continue growing. One nasty cavity might lead to the second one in no time. If you don’t treat the cavity at the enamel stage, it decays even more and spreads to the middle layer of your tooth or the dentin.
How Cavities Impact the Nerves
If cavities are left untreated, they continue growing. Eventually, the decay grows to a point where it undermines the tooth structure and reaches the nerves of the tooth. This can result in tooth damage, severe pain, and even tooth loss. Another option may be a root canal.
Infections resulting from Cavities
Infection in the mouth or the jaw is of greatest concern. A tooth infection is harder to spot as you cannot look through the tooth’s pulp. However, common symptoms include redness, swelling, and visible pus.
One of the best ways to determine if you have developed a tooth infection is by using water. To check this, take a mouthful of lukewarm water in your mouth and then, swish it around the affected tooth. If you have an infection, the cool water will reduce inflammation. However, you will also need an antibiotic to fight the infection. Do not hesitate to consult a dentist at the earliest if you develop an infection.
Illness and Death from Cavities
It may be hard to imagine but a cavity can even lead to death. An abscessed tooth can cause serious consequences, including jaw bone damage, tooth loss, sinus involvement, heart complications, brain infection, and even death. But the good news is that the contribution of modern technology makes it rarely the case. There’s certainly no need to let things go that long.
Schedule an Appointment to Treat Your Cavities
The ideal way to keep treatment inexpensive and hassle-free is to see a dentist regularly. This way a cavity can be detected early on. By getting appropriate treatment at the right moment, you can keep your broad smile intact!
At Smile Brightly Dental, we understand how precious your smile is to you. That is why our team of expert and experienced dental professionals is available always to help you out with your dental needs. Book an appointment today, or connect with us to know more. Allow us to get your sparkling smile back again!
For more information regarding your dental health, please give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!