Tooth decay and cavities are among the most common dental issues in the world today. It can affect anyone- from young children to grown adults. And the thing about these dental problems is that they don’t easily go away. If you let your teeth be left untreated, chances are, you’re subjecting them to more damage, and before you know it, you’ll be faced with a more serious dental issue.
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, is a common oral health problem that can have a negative impact on your overall health. Here are three ways that tooth decay can affect your health:
Pain: Tooth decay can cause pain and discomfort, which can make it difficult to eat or sleep. This can lead to a reduced quality of life and decreased overall health.
Infection: If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to an infection in the tooth. This infection can spread to other areas of the body, leading to more serious health problems.
Nutrient deficiencies: Tooth decay can make it difficult to chew and eat certain foods, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. This can affect your overall health and well-being.
It is important to take care of your teeth and prevent tooth decay by brushing your teeth regularly, using fluoride products, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks.
Moreover, while the symptoms and manifestations of tooth decay are typically confined in your mouth, studies show that it may have an impact on your body and overall health as well.
How does tooth decay affect overall health?
Tooth decay, also known as cavities, can have a negative impact on overall health in several ways:
Pain and discomfort: Tooth decay can cause pain and discomfort, which can interfere with eating, sleeping, and daily activities. This can lead to a reduced quality of life and decreased overall health.
Infection: If left untreated, tooth decay can lead to an infection in the tooth. This infection can spread to other areas of the body, potentially leading to more serious health problems.
Nutrient deficiencies: Tooth decay can make it difficult to chew and eat certain foods, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies. This can affect overall health and well-being.
Oral hygiene: Poor oral hygiene, which can be a result of tooth decay, can also lead to other health problems such as gum disease and bad breath.
It is important to take care of your teeth and prevent tooth decay by brushing your teeth regularly, using fluoride products, and avoiding sugary foods and drinks. If you do have tooth decay, it is important to seek treatment from a dentist to prevent further health problems.
That said, here are some ways in which tooth decay can affect your overall health and well-being.
- It Can Infect Healthy Teeth Surrounding It
Tooth decay usually starts with the slow buildup of plaque and tartar, which damages the outer layer of your teeth, forming a cavity in the process. Without observing proper dental hygiene, bacteria can easily grow and live within a cavity. If left unattended, the surrounding healthy teeth can also get affected.
The symptoms of tooth decay come in various forms- from feeling a bit of pain when chewing food to experiencing sensitive feelings on your teeth to the visible presence of cavities in your teeth. When this happens, you should consider paying your dentist a visit.
Seeking professional advice from dental clinics such as Grove City Dental or any clinics within your local area can be a good start to addressing your tooth decay problems. Aside from giving you a full assessment of your oral health, a dentist can also discuss with you the treatment that can best take care of your dental problem.
- It Can Cause Other Health Issues
Cavities are so common that they’re often ignored. But, tooth decay, when not immediately and properly taken care of, may increase your risk of developing other health concerns.
That said, here are some health conditions affiliated with poor oral health.
- Dementia
Some studies suggest that poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of dementia. Gingivitis or gum inflammation produced by bacteria is believed to have the ability to damage brain cells, which may result in memory loss.
- Cardiovascular Disease
Some studies also suggest that poor oral health can risk bacterial infection which may enter and travel within the bloodstream. Once this happens, the artery walls and heart valves might get affected, which may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
- Infections of the Respiratory System
When the bacteria travels from the mouth down to the lungs, it can lead to and trigger respiratory tract infections. Bacteria from the mouth can cause pneumonia, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD.)
- It Can Affect Your Mental Well-Being
Aside from physical health, poor oral health and condition can also impact your mental well-being. People who have dental concerns often feel unconfident about carrying and presenting themselves. In some cases, they feel self-conscious, affecting their self-esteem in the process. They tend to smile less and have difficulties in forming connections- both in their professional and social lives.
A healthy and confident smile can certainly go a long way. It can open up opportunities for you while boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
While there are various dental treatments available, it’d be good to note that prevention is still the best cure. By practicing good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing oral problems.
Aside from regularly brushing your teeth and flossing, what you eat may also affect your oral health. Eating healthy and skipping sugary food and drinks are believed to be beneficial for your teeth and gums. When remnants from your sugary snack get left on your teeth, they can break down the enamel of your teeth, which can then lead to cavities.
Additionally, instead of going for sugary or caffeinated drinks, water can be your best friend. Drinking a lot of water can help wash away the food particles in your mouth, which can help prevent plaque buildup.
Treatment for Tooth Decay
Suffering tooth decay can be stressful and frustrating, but help and relief are possible. There are various treatments and medications that can help address your dental problem. However, it’s important to understand that the severity of your tooth’s cavity can often define the treatment needed to address the problem.
That said, it’s best to consult your dentist to know which treatment will work best for you.
Here are some of the common treatments for tooth decay.
- Filling
Fillings are most commonly done when the tooth decay or cavity has progressed beyond the early stage.
After removing the decaying portion of the tooth, fillings are applied. Materials used in filling include porcelain, amalgam, gold, or composite.
- Crowns
Dentists usually recommend this treatment when a tooth’s decaying enamel is pretty much gone. They’ll remove the injured area and replace it with porcelain, gold, or porcelain fused to a metal crown.
- Root canal
When the pulp or the soft center of a tooth is infected, a root canal may be needed. Instead of extracting a damaged or infected tooth, your dentist will remove the infected pulp, to preserve the rest of the affected tooth. After removing the damaged pulp, the insides of your tooth will be cleaned and then sealed.
- Tooth Extraction
When your tooth becomes too damaged beyond repair, even with the help of a crown or filling, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. Although having a tooth extracted can cause your other teeth to shift. That said, you can consider replacing the extracted tooth with a dental bridge.
Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?
Yes, a tooth infection can potentially affect your whole body. A tooth infection, also known as an abscess, occurs when bacteria invade the tooth and the surrounding tissue. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the body through the bloodstream.
Tooth infections can cause serious health problems, including:
Sepsis: This is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection spreads through the bloodstream and affects multiple organ systems.
Osteomyelitis: This is an infection of the bone that can occur if the infection spreads from the tooth to the bone.
Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of the heart that can occur if bacteria from the tooth infection enter the bloodstream and travel to the heart.
It is important to see a dentist if you have a tooth infection to prevent the infection from spreading and causing more serious health problems. The dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and may also recommend a root canal or extraction to remove the infected tooth.
What are the three consequences of tooth loss?
Tooth loss can have a number of consequences, including:
Difficulty eating: Losing teeth can make it difficult to chew and eat certain foods, which can lead to malnutrition and weight loss.
Speech problems: Losing teeth can also affect speech, causing difficulty in pronouncing certain words.
Facial changes: Tooth loss can cause the facial muscles to sag, giving the appearance of premature aging.
Bone loss: Losing teeth can also lead to bone loss in the jaw, which can affect the overall structure of the face and make it difficult to place dental implants or dentures.
Social and psychological impacts: Tooth loss can also have social and psychological impacts, as it can affect self-esteem and confidence.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene and see a dentist regularly to prevent tooth loss. If you do lose a tooth, it is important to replace it as soon as possible to prevent these consequences. Options for replacing missing teeth include dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
How do you stop tooth decay?
Tooth decay is the process by which bacteria in the mouth produce acid that attacks the tooth enamel, causing cavities. Here are some steps you can take to prevent tooth decay:
Brush your teeth twice a day: Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth for at least two minutes.
Floss daily: Floss between your teeth to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Use mouthwash: Mouthwash can help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
Drink fluoridated water: Fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. Many communities add fluoride to their water supplies to help prevent tooth decay.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks: Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. Try to limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks, and brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
See a dentist regularly: Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help prevent tooth decay by identifying and treating problems early on.
By following these steps, you can help prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health.
What causes tooth decay?
Tooth decay is caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria, acid, and sugar. Here’s how it works:
Bacteria: The mouth is home to millions of bacteria, some of which are harmful. These bacteria produce acid as they feed on sugars in the mouth.
Acid: The acid produced by bacteria attacks the tooth enamel, causing it to break down and form a cavity.
Sugar: Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay. When sugar is consumed, it is converted into acid by bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay.
Tooth decay can also be caused or exacerbated by poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar, and a lack of fluoride. By practicing good oral hygiene, limiting sugar intake, and using fluoride products, you can help prevent tooth decay.
Take Away
Our teeth are an essential part of our bodies and therefore, must be taken care of properly. Not only can they help us eat, allowing us to sustain our bodies with much-needed nutrients, but healthy teeth could also mean good and healthy well-being.
Good oral health can not only reduce the risk of developing other health concerns but can also help boost our self-esteem, improving our overall well-being in the process.
