The Dangers of Untreated Cavities and Why You Should Act Early
Untreated cavities can lead to severe pain, jaw damage, gum infection and even stroke risk. Learn the four dangers of leaving a tooth cavity alone.
Cavities can show up in anyone. This dental problem is common, but you should not brush it off. A cavity is the result of bacteria breaking down the tooth. Left alone, the hole keeps growing and leads to more serious problems.
These problems are no joke. Some can be treated, while others are permanent. Here are a few examples of what can happen when a cavity goes untreated. See the list below.
- Pain
The first problem that usually appears with a cavity is pain. At first the pain may be only a minor annoyance, but if you ignore it, it can become unbearable. Severe pain will get in the way of eating, working, or even resting. Some people suffer pain so intense that they faint or even have convulsions.
- Damaged Jaw Structure
A decaying cavity can affect other teeth and the gums. Once that happens, root decay in many teeth can damage the jaw structure. This is why many people lose their teeth and end up with a damaged jaw. When the damage reaches the jawbone, the effect is permanent and cannot be treated without surgery.
- Tissue Infection
Cavities are caused by bacteria, and that can lead to infection. Soft tissue such as the gums is usually attacked first. Infected pockets in the gums can fill with pus. The pus has to be drained, or the gums themselves can start to rot. If the infection is severe, it can cause bleeding and holes in the gums.
- A Possible Cause of Stroke
Research on cavities has found that tooth decay can affect the nerve tissue inside the tooth. If a tooth nerve is damaged, constant sensitivity and aching can develop. If it is not treated quickly, this aching can become a cause of stroke.
That is quite a list of dangers from leaving a cavity alone, isn't it? See a doctor and treat your cavity before it gets worse!
