The Effect of Cavities on the Entire Body

Cavities Sylmar, CA

Cavities are small holes that only affect a small portion of a tooth, right? They can be if you see the dentist as soon as you notice them. For the people who put off seeing the dentist until they run out of options, cavities can become so much more.

A small hole in the tooth can become a bigger hole in the tooth. The bigger hole acts as a gateway for bacteria to gain access to the inner tooth. At this point, the problem tooth starts to lose structural integrity, as bacteria attack the enamel, dentin, and dental pulp. This is the point where a person starts to experience some level of toothache. Here are some possible scenarios for the person who finds a workaround for the pain.

A complete health dentist explains the anatomy of cavities

Many oral health problems come down to the unchecked activity of harmful mouth bacteria. The timely intervention will limit bacterial attacks to a tiny hole in the enamel. Ignoring the problem leaves the bacteria to ‘drill’ a hole right into the inner tooth. It just so happens that the inner tooth has blood vessels and other structures that link the tooth to its surroundings.

By extension, these surrounding structures have blood vessels that link the mouth to the rest of the body. This means that harmful mouth bacteria can access a direct link to the rest of the body. It then follows that a cavity has the potential to affect systemic health. Here is how:

1. An infection resulting from a cavity can morph into gum disease

When mouth bacteria create a hole in the tooth, their end-game is to create a bigger hole and eventually take over the tooth. Like a conquering army, the infection will do its best to spread to other teeth as well as the gums. If bacteria succeed in gaining a foothold in the gums, the following happens:

  • Mild gum disease remains largely without symptoms, except for bleeding and some tenderness
  • Periodontitis happens if gum disease progresses
  • The infection from advanced gum disease causes inflammation or it could make its way into the bloodstream

2. Tooth infection can trigger an immune response in the form of systemic inflammation

If the body remains in a constant state of inflammation, other side-effects start to show up. Long-term inflammation could result in difficulty in the management of diabetes. Inflammation hinders the effective action of insulin, which can cause a rise in blood sugar. Studies demonstrate the link between the infection that is gum disease and diabetes

3. Infection can travel from the mouth to the rest of the body

Without medical treatment or an especially strong immune response, infections will spread. Even mouth bacteria can make their way to other parts of the body. For example:

  • A serious bacterial infection of the mouth can make its way down the respiratory tract and into the lungs, causing bacterial pneumonia
  • Patients with weak immune systems are at greater risk of a mouth infection becoming a systemic infection
  • Bacterial colonies from the mouth can travel to the heart to cause endocarditis, an infection of the heart's inner lining

Over and above the infection angle of cavities, there is also a quality of life angle that ultimately affects general health.

Tooth decay can cause poor nutrition

The pain that comes with tooth decay limits the sufferer’s diet. This not only denies the person their favorite meals, but it also keeps them from taking in useful nutrients.

Keeping cavities at bay is easy

We have a complete health dentist that is dedicated to keeping your mouth and body healthy. If you have a cavity that’s nagging you, even if it is only at the back of your mind, call us. The dentist will take care of it in a few short minutes.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cavities in Sylmar, CA.

Recent Posts

3 Signs You May Need A Root Canal

Dentists use root canals to save teeth that are badly infected. Sometimes, due to damage or decay, the inner part of the tooth becomes infected. However, the tooth may not have to be pulled, thanks to the root canal procedure. This article takes a closer look at this common treatment and three main signs you…

How Invisalign® Can Transform Your Smile

Invisalign® aligners can work to straighten and realign the smile without any negative impact on your appearance. In contrast to traditional metal braces, it does not have visible wires and brackets that can make patients self-conscious when smiling. Continue reading to know how getting Invisalign® can change your smile.Invisalign aligners are composed of polyurethane plastic…

Implant-Supported Dentures Can Solve The Problem Of Missing Teeth

Implant-supported dentures are an excellent choice for patients who want a durable and easy option for replacing lost teeth. This restoration allows patients to enjoy their favorite meals once again and go about their regular activities with the denture securely in place. There is no need to worry about the dentures slipping or coming loose…

When A Tooth Abscess Is A Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies include things like extreme toothaches, dislodged or broken teeth, cracks, and abscessed teeth. When a tooth becomes abscessed, it does not always present emergent symptoms, which is typically a good thing. However, when a tooth abscess is serious, the result may be painful and create a state of dysfunction. In this case, a…

Recent Posts

Signs You May Need A Root Canal

3 Signs You May Need A Root Canal

Dentists use root canals to save teeth that are badly infected. Sometimes, due to damage or decay, the inner part of the tooth becomes infected. However, the tooth may not have to be pulled, thanks to the root canal procedure. This article takes a closer look at this common treatment and three main signs you…

How Invisalign® Can Transform Your Smile

How Invisalign® Can Transform Your Smile

Invisalign® aligners can work to straighten and realign the smile without any negative impact on your appearance. In contrast to traditional metal braces, it does not have visible wires and brackets that can make patients self-conscious when smiling. Continue reading to know how getting Invisalign® can change your smile.Invisalign aligners are composed of polyurethane plastic…