Tooth decay, or rotten teeth in kids, is a common problem in children from 6 to 19 years of age. It is caused by bacteria that create acid that feeds on the enamel. Even with daily brushing and proper dental hygiene, several dental problems can still arise.
The condition can become worse if the infection spreads to dental implants. Although a serious problem, a lot of people shy away from visiting a dentist. To your surprise, tooth decay is not restricted to oral issues but it also affects the entire body.
In this article, we will look into the dangers that tooth decay or rotten teeth can bring to your overall health. Let us have a look.
What is Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay or rotten teeth does not happen in a day. Decaying, on the other hand, is a gradual process that usually starts with cavities. If the cavity is not filled in an early stage, bacteria can enter the inner portion of the tooth and cause infection and pain. This often leads to an abscess or a collection of pus, which also affects the entire body.
Rotted teeth have some common symptoms, including sensitivity and pain when you bite or chew, as well as dark spots on teeth.
In addition, certain food items are more likely to cause problems including soda, ice cream, milk, and so forth.
Dangers Associated with Tooth Decay on Your Body
If left untreated, rotten teeth can impact your entire body. Let us see how
Gum Disease
When left untreated, tooth decay reaches the interior portion of the teeth, that is, the pulp and nerve roots. When it occurs, you may observe slightly swollen gums and bleeding when you brush. This is the first sign of gingivitis, an early gum disease.
Gingivitis can also lead to serious gum disease or periodontitis if not addressed quickly. As the disease progresses, there are high chances of gums separating from the teeth and creating pockets that become infected and destroy tissue and bones.
The later stage of gingivitis, that is, periodontitis, can also cause complications in other parts of the body, especially the heart.
Heart Attacks and Strokes
If you do not take proper care of your teeth and fail to brush and floss daily, it may lead to plaque accumulation. Plaque refers to a sticky film that covers your teeth and hosts hundreds of bacteria. Surprisingly, over-accumulation of plaque on the tooth surface may also lead to heart attack or stroke.
Research conducted by the American Heart Association found a link between plaque and heart attack. According to the research, plaque contributes to artery blockage. It can enter the bloodstream and clog heart arteries resulting in attack or stroke.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, rotten teeth can make the condition worse. If not treated, it can progress to gum inflammation called periodontitis.
Periodontitis can cause the formation of gaps between your teeth, which may also get infected. If you have diabetes, the infection can make it difficult for your body to absorb insulin. Without adequate insulin, the blood sugar levels may remain constantly low.
In addition, high blood sugar can increase oral infection leading to inflammation. Overall, it is a vicious cycle. Hence, people with diabetes need to maintain good oral health.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia refers to a dangerous infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi that enter the lungs through the mouth. Bacterial pneumonia can occur mostly after a viral cold or flu, but it can also enter the lungs because of poor oral health.
Over time, bacteria building up on the teeth can reach the lungs and cause pneumonia. Hence, it is vital to maintain good oral health to prevent this.
Brain Abscesses
Bacteria from the mouth can also travel into the bloodstream and eventually to the brain. This can also cause brain abscesses.
Research conducted at the University of Copenhagen observed a connection between diseases in the oral cavity and the rest of the body. Many patients admitted to the hospital with brain abscesses showed an underlying cause of oral bacteria leading to the condition.
Low Self-esteem and Depression
It is difficult to hide rotten teeth over time. As the damage begins to worsen and more teeth are rotten with cavities, the damage can easily be noticed. Bad breath is one of the common signs of this decay which can also be embarrassing in social settings. People suffering from such situations also experience low self-esteem and isolation, which, in extreme conditions, can cause depression.
Takeaway
Rotten teeth are caused by tooth decay. The decay commonly starts as cavity formation and develops into periodontitis (a severe gum disease) if left untreated. Not only does tooth decay hamper oral health, but it also harms overall health, including heart attack and stroke. Hence, it is important to prioritize oral health and get yourself checked immediately in case of any symptoms.
Get Expert Consultation at Periodontal Specialists!
Keep your oral health in check with expert consultations from our dentists at Periodontal Specialists. Our experienced team of dentists can help at each step to protect your teeth from decay and, in turn, keep your overall health in check. We also offer guidance on denture implants to restore functionality and improve your smile.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
