If you are in Toronto Smiles on Queen can help you understand more about how dental care can improve your life.
Most of us will encounter tooth decay at some point in our life, to a smaller or larger extent. If you have dental discomfort, it might be a sign of a cavity, and you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Tooth decay happens when food particles and bacteria in the mouth combine to form plaque, which adheres to the enamel of the teeth. Plaque breaks down into acid over time, corroding the tooth. Tooth decay can occur in persons who are genetically prone to it, or it can occur as a result of poor oral hygiene.
What Are the Most Serious Health Consequences of Tooth Decay?
Dental decay and cavities may appear to be small concerns with little urgency, but if ignored for too long, they can have serious consequences for your health. The following are some of the most devastating consequences of untreated tooth decay:
When decay persists beyond the gum line or in deep cavities in your molars, bone loss can occur. When combined with the normal bone loss that happens with age, this might be an issue if you ever need implants or other orthodontic treatment. Gum recession can be hastened by untreated dental decay. This might raise your chances of developing significant periodontal disease.
Tooth decay has been related to an increased risk of heart disease, according to Harvard Medical School research. Tooth decay pain can affect your quality of life, and if it’s severe, it can make you miserable and lead to poor nutrition and sleeplessness. Complications from tooth decay, such as acute infection that enters the bloodstream or septic shock, can result in death in rare and extreme situations.
Good oral hygiene can help prevent dental decay, but even flossing and brushing on a regular basis isn’t always enough to prevent cavities. The comprehensive inspection that occurs in conjunction with bi-annual cleaning and scaling, as well as x-rays to identify concealed deterioration, is critical to your overall health. Cavities can then be treated, or the tooth can be removed if the decay is severe.Dental decay does not have to be a severe health issue if caught early and treated.
