5 dangers of untreated tooth decay

Tooth decay is the most common dental problem worldwide. About 2.3 billion people of the world population have at least one decayed tooth. Around 23% (i.e.) 530 million of those victims are kids. It is a well-known fact that children are easily susceptible to cavities. As cavities form permanent damages over the teeth surfaces, it is a pesky problem and should be addressed without delay.

Otherwise, the decay will grow, go deepen, provoke sharp pain, and even spread to the neighboring teeth. Such infection in teeth can even develop gum diseases and various dental illnesses. You might aware of the dental damages associated with cavities.

Do you believe that infections in a tooth will cause bodily disorders? It is hard to believe but it is true. You will become vulnerable to certain illnesses if you do not address your decayed tooth.

What are the problems caused by untreated dental cavities?

Once the infection in a tooth worsens, the chances are higher for the bacteria in the infected teeth can get into the bloodstream followed by various ailments. Here are the most common illnesses:

1) Infect the bloodstream

When a decayed tooth is left untreated, the infection penetrates deeper inside the tooth and reaches the nerves, root portion as well. On the other hand, the harmful microbes in such decayed teeth along with the toxic substances they release will move to the bone and tissues underneath. Such noxious fluids combine with saliva and enter the bloodstream when you swallow them.

If it occurs for a long time, the toxic substance will blend with the digestive system as well. If such poisoned blood flows into the internal organs, it will cause serious complaints. Right?

2) Low energy

When a person is having oral infections for an extended period, the blood vessels distribute pathogens to the different parts of the body as discussed in the above section. It means the unaddressed tooth decay is followed by infections in other organs inside the body. This can make the sufferer feel tired most of the time. On the other hand, the infected teeth take energy from the body’s reservoir also so that the victims might feel exhausted always.

3) Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious infectious condition and its root cause lies in the presence of harmful microorganisms in the blood. In general, it happens for people with a weakened immune system.

When an oral infection like tooth decay is left unaddressed for an extended period, it moves out of the tooth and affects nerves, tissues, the bone underneath. It causes dental abscesses. Followed by poisoning the bloodstream and attacking various organs, sepsis happens as a deadly response to such damage in organs.

4) Trembling hands

Our body produces immune cells like antibodies, white blood cells to fight against infections. When you have deep cavities in a tooth, the immune system has to send more of the immune cells for the tooth’s well-being, thereby the immune system cannot fight against other threats. In such cases, the immune system will become weak.

Weakened immune systems exhibit a variety of symptoms like trembling hands, skin infections, sudden high fevers, frequent diarrhea, easily getting cold, etc.

5) Meningitis

Meningitis is a life-threatening condition that happens due to inflammation in the “meninges” membrane that is responsible for protecting the brain and spinal cord. When blood containing pathogens reach the 3-layered membrane, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord also gets bacterial infection causing inflammation in most cases.

Besides tooth decay and other oral infections, meningitis has various triggering factors like drugs, injuries, etc.

Bottom line

Apart from the permanent damage, pain around the tooth, a decayed tooth can do more harm than you think. Getting early cavity treatment is the key to preventing infection becomes more complicated and restricting the microbes in a decayed tooth affect the body.