Blog

Cavities, also called tooth decay, are one of the most common dental problems worldwide. They form permanently damaged areas in your teeth. Bacteria accumulation, smoking, consumption of sugary food or drinks, and poor dental hygiene cause cavities.

Leaving cavities unaddressed has dire consequences. Here’s a glimpse of what can happen from untreated dental cavities.

Severe Recurring Pain

When you have an untreated dental cavity, you may experience pain. Usually, cavities do not hurt. But once they grow in size, they can affect the nerves of your tooth or cause a fracture. The infected tooth will be more prone to sensitivity because it is exposed. So, you will likely experience extreme and ongoing pain if you do not address your cavities immediately.

A severe toothache can disrupt your life. If you are still at school, the pain may impact your learning potential. If you’re already working, the ache may affect your productivity and even force you to take a leave.

Development Of Pus or Abscessed Tooth

Dental cavities may also lead to tooth abscesses. These are pockets of pus caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria present in your cavities will break down the sugar in food and drinks. This consumption leads to an acid byproduct that attacks your enamel.

When this happens, you will observe the gradual destruction of the hard surfaces of your tooth. Abscesses can occur in different areas around the infected tooth or gums. Sometimes, it can also grow in the surrounding bone or the adjacent teeth.

The formation of pus-filled swellings can also cause pain, fever, and other symptoms of infection. In extreme cases, an abscessed tooth can develop into dental sepsis.

Emergence Of Gum Diseases

Another danger of untreated dental cavities is the development of gum disease. A film of plaque will accumulate on your teeth if you don’t seek dental attention. Then, the bacteria in plaque may spread to your gums, causing inflammation. Once your gums appear red and swollen, you may experience bleeding—especially when you brush your teeth.

Additionally, untreated cavities may result in a more severe form of gum disease: periodontitis. This disease is characterized by the spread of the infection to other parts of your mouth. For instance, the tissues connecting your tooth to its socket, the periodontal ligament, will be damaged. Your jawbone or alveolar bone may also be affected. Consult with a dentist right away, as periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.

Increased Risk for Having Broken or Damaged Teeth

The surface of your teeth is made up of enamel which can break down due to tooth decay. With untreated cavities, tiny openings or holes will form on your teeth. The continuous decay of your teeth may result in complications in your teeth’ structure.

Your dental structure becomes weaker and vulnerable when your enamel breaks down. So, if you delay your visit to the dentist, you increase the risk of your tooth breaking or chipping. The decay can also spread to your other teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss.

Problems In Chewing Food

The primary function of your teeth is to help grind your food into smaller chunks. Through this process, digesting food and absorbing nutrition will be easier for your body.

One dire consequence of leaving cavities untreated is difficulty in chewing food. Holes and toothache from decay can inhibit this function. Without your chewing ability, it will be harder for you to digest your food. Your gastrointestinal health can be affected as a result.

Dental Services in Plantation, FL

Dental cavities remain among the most prevalent chronic hygiene-related diseases in children, young adolescents, and even grown-ups. Thankfully, cavities are easily preventable. By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, you can inhibit the build-up of cavities. Limiting your consumption of sugary snacks will also help. Of course, don’t forget to go to your regular dental check-ups.

For an excellent dentist in the Plantation, FL area, visit the Dental Office of Dr. Ernie Soto. We recognize how one small cavity can escalate to a larger problem in your dental health. So, we provide excellent services to prevent and treat advanced dental cavities. We also specialize in orthodontic care, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry.

Now that you know the complications arising from untreated dental cavities, it is time to act. Give us a call at (954) 368-6264 today! For your convenience, you can also use these forms to request a consultation and fill out your patient registration.