Most people avoid going to the dentist because of an apprehension they may be told they have a cavity, which is one of the reasons they avoid going to the dentist. In the meantime, however, if you have a cavity, avoiding the dentist is the last thing you should do if you are in pain. Untreated cavities cause a significant amount of pain and damage to the body that are far worse than the discomfort of getting the treatment that will fix the cavity. If you don’t fix a cavity caused by tooth decay, you may face many problems in the future.
What causes cavities?
As a tooth’s enamel becomes thinner, cavities form as acids eat away at its outer layer. People with thin enamel on their teeth are more likely to develop cavities than those with thick enamel. As a result, some people develop cavities from drinking acidic sodas regularly, which causes them to wear down their enamel as they down the soda. The same is often true for people who consume candy and juice.
There are bacteria in the mouth that produce acids that are responsible for causing cavities by using sugar from candy and juices. Despite this fact, even those who do not eat candy, drink soda, or have thin enamel can also develop cavities from an inadequate oral hygiene program because of poor oral hygiene. The combination of food particles left on your teeth and bacteria in your mouth causes plaque to form on your teeth, producing acids that destroy your tooth enamel and eventually lead to cavities in your teeth.
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Untreated cavities cause problems.
The majority of people do not want cavities. Still, if left untreated, they can cause significant pain, damage, and severe complications regarding the health of their teeth and overall well-being. Here are some of the problems that arise from untreated cavities:
- Cavities not treated grow and spread – It is important to treat cavities as soon as possible when they begin to develop. As a result of the decay, other teeth may be compromised, and the mouth’s health may also be compromised. Depending on the severity of the cavity, it can also spread into the root of the tooth, even reaching the nerve of the tooth.
- Cavities that remain untreated can cause severe pain. A severe condition called an abscess arises at the root of a tooth when dental decay reaches the dental pulp, which also contains blood vessels, living tissue, and nerves.
- Cavities that go untreated can break teeth – Cavities destroy teeth. Without treatment, the decayed teeth lose a large amount of their structural integrity, causing them to become weak and more susceptible to breakage as they become weaker.
- Teeth can be lost due to untreated cavities – An unchecked and untreated case of tooth decay can result in severe damage to a tooth so severe that it cannot be fixed, even if it is not too late to save it. Poor oral hygiene and untreated cavities are two leading causes of tooth loss.
- Cavities can damage jawbones if untreated –To keep cavities from growing untreated, they must be treated before they destroy the teeth. It is essential to understand that once a tooth becomes infected, it can spread down into the jawbone, resulting in inflammation of the bone marrow and compromising the structural integrity of the jawbone.
- The consequences of untreated cavities are serious – It’s no secret that cavities that go untreated eventually lead to infection. And just like cavities, infections spread quickly when left untreated. The infection of your tooth may spread to other parts of your body, such as the jawbone, sinuses, eyes, skin, or even more distant parts of your body, such as your brain or your heart, endangering your body’s tissues, bones, and organs. Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when bacteria enter your bloodstream and cause a blood clot.
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Cavities can be treated quickly and compared to all the problems that could arise from leaving the cavity unattended. A regular dental visit plays a vital role in preventing cavities and consistently brushing and flossing. For people with normal enamel, it usually takes six to five years for cavity formation. When you visit your dentist every six months, you will prevent a cavity from becoming severe enough to damage your teeth if you are prone to cavities.
Your dentist also performs maintenance services (tartar removal, teeth cleaning, and dental examinations) when you have a routine dental appointment every six months to maintain your oral hygiene and keep your teeth healthy. Thus, as long as you maintain good oral hygiene and visit your dentist regularly, you may be able to avoid cavities entirely.
San Diego Smile Center’s commitment is to your health and comfort.
Some people have difficulty visiting the dentist because they feel anxious about it. It is important to us that our patients are comfortable when they come to San Diego Smile Center. There is a high level of patient satisfaction because of our calm and relaxing environment and compassionate, high-quality dental care that our patients highly regard. The staff at San Diego Smile Center is committed to providing the best dental services to you at all times while making every effort to ensure you are comfortable. You can schedule an appointment at the practice by calling (858) 566-0842.