Leaving a rotten tooth untreated can have serious consequences. Blood poisoning, nerve damage, and even life-threatening infections can occur if the decay is not addressed. Poor oral hygiene, untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or even common dental procedures can lead to a dental infection, also called a dental abscess. When oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, they increase the chance of developing dangerous blood clots that can cause a stroke or heart attack.
If a cavity doesn't cause an infection, it can still spread throughout the tooth and weaken it from the inside out. In some cases, treating a cavity can even make the difference between life and death.Dentists strongly recommend that leaving rotting teeth unattended can lead to blood poisoning. This occurs because tooth decay continues to settle in the mouth and, in most cases, is swallowed along with saliva. Keep in mind that if your tooth needs a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is exposed or will likely be exposed when the current decay progresses.
Exposed dental pulp can easily be infected with bacteria, and these bacteria can travel to the bloodstream.When you have an untreated tooth cavity, you may experience pain. However, once they increase in size, they can affect the nerves in the tooth or cause a fracture. The infected tooth will be more prone to sensitivity because it is exposed. Therefore, you're likely to experience extreme, ongoing pain if you don't treat cavities right away.In some cases, an untreated dental infection can spread to blood vessels in the sinuses and cause cavernous sinus thrombosis, a rare and potentially fatal blood clot at the base of the brain.
A tooth abscess, also known as a dental abscess or oral abscess, is a painful infection that can occur in a tooth, jaw, or gums that surround a tooth.Other signs of a fractured tooth that may require dental treatment may include swelling of the gums, pain when chewing, pain that comes and goes, sensitivity to pressure, or a general feeling of discomfort in the area. As the tooth rots and decays, it easily breaks down and cracks. This cavity can extend to the other teeth and make them brittle as well.You can reduce your risk of developing a dental infection by practicing good oral hygiene and seeing your dentist or dental hygienist for regular checkups, exams, and cleanings. If you have a tooth that needs a root canal, or you simply suspect that you need one, then it's important to have a dental exam and have a root canal performed as soon as possible.Thanks to improved dental hygiene, modern dentistry and antibiotics, dental infections are rarely life-threatening.
However, it is important to take preventive measures to avoid any potential health risks associated with leaving rotten teeth untreated.
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