The Potential Dangers That Can Come With Untreated Dental Cavities

It’s no secret that dental cavities are a huge problem in the United States. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 92% of adults have had at least one cavity in their lives. What you may not know, however, is that if these cavities aren’t treated, they can lead to some severe health problems. Probiotic oral supplement pills may help reduce the speed of decay. Still, it won’t work enough to prevent it from happening in the first place. That’s why today, we will share the dangers of untreated dental cavities and why it’s quite lucrative to see your dentist regularly.

Severe Pain

One of the most common symptoms of an untreated cavity is severe pain. This is usually caused by the decay reaching the nerve of the tooth, which can be incredibly painful. If you are experiencing any type of pain in your teeth, you must see your dentist immediately so they can determine if you have a cavity and need treatment. Keep in mind that the longer you wait to see a dentist, the worse the pain will become.

Tooth Abscesses

abscessAccording to a professional dentist, an abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth. This can be caused by an untreated cavity as well as other dental problems. An abscess can be extremely painful. If it’s not treated, it can lead to serious health complications such as sepsis. This is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by infection. In fact, untreated abscesses are one of the most common reasons people end up in the hospital for dental problems.

Various Gum Diseases

Did you know that the bacteria from cavities can also lead to gum disease? This is because the bacteria can travel from the tooth to the gums, causing an infection. Gum disease is a severe problem that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems, such as heart disease. In fact, gum diseases like gingivitis are some of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. And when it comes to tooth loss, it’s gone for good once you’ve lost it.

Brain Damage

damageYou may be wondering what the brain has to do with dental cavities. Did you know that a study from the University of Rochester found that bacteria from cavities can actually travel to the brain and cause damage? This is because the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain, where it can cause inflammation. Once the brain is inflamed, it can lead to serious health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and even stroke. While more research needs to be done on this topic, it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you have untreated cavities.

All in all, it’s not just some icing on the cake to see your dentist regularly and treat any cavities you may have. Untreated cavities can lead to some severe health problems that can even be life-threatening. So, if you are experiencing pain in your teeth or think you may have a cavity, be sure to see your dentist immediately. And remember, the sooner you treat a cavity, the better.…