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Posted on 10/15/2019 by Barbara Ketchum |
 Cavities are pretty normal on their own. Lots of people get cavities and there is nothing to be afraid of, as long as you get the cavity treated. That's where the problem lies: when you don't get your cavities treated the repercussions for your body can be deadly. Whatever happens, you don't want the bacteria n that cavity getting too comfortable and carving out a nice home for itself. It will eventually spread and the results could be catastrophic. Bacteria are very much like a fire: just as a fire will keep burning everything in its path, so long as it has fuel and oxygen, so will bacteria. The only difference is that bacteria are fueled by sugar, lots of sugar. We all intuitively know that cavities are not good for us, but do you know just how bad? Here is what happens when you leave that cavity untreated: The Cavity Grows LargerWhen cavities are left to themselves, the bacteria will not stop; they'll only keep digging deeper and deeper, causing the cavity to grow larger. Eventually, the cavity will eat through the protective enamel of the tooth and cause it to crack. Once that happens, the bacteria gain access to the dentine underneath.The Bacteria Damage Your NervesOnce the bacteria get through the enamel, their next stop is your nerve, which is very sensitive. This is when the painful toothache begins. This can lead to loss of concentration, loss of appetite, and possible infection of the neighboring teeth. Treating a cavity this advanced is a lot more complicated than treating one that hasn't fully penetrated the tooth yet, where a mere filling may be enough. With nerve damage you will probably need a root canal treatment or a tooth extraction.Infection of the Rest of the BodyIf the bacteria find their way into your blood stream, then they can end up infecting the rest of your mouth. This can cause your jaw to get swollen and feel terribly painful. The bacteria can also spread to the rest of your body, often giving you flu-like symptoms. In the worst case scenario the bacteria could find their way to your brain, causing death, though that is quite rare.To prevent cavities, make sure you brush your teeth and floss regularly to avoid food deposits accumulating on your teeth. Make sure you also pay a regular visit to our offices to get a dental exam and cleaning. |
