2024-03-12 05:57:02
Good oral health allows you to smile confidently and show your teeth without embarrassment. Excellent oral hygiene is necessary to care for your teeth and protect them from cavities.
Last update : 13 mars, 2024
Tooth decay is a condition that damages teeth and our quality of life if not properly treated. Although it often seems like a minor problem in its early stages, it can lead to serious complications if ignored. From acute pain to the spread of infection, the effects of tooth decay can be devastating.
Simple hygiene measures can make a big difference to your smile and protect it from these types of dental problems. Read on to learn how to protect your teeth from the dangers of tooth decay and maintain optimal oral health.
What is tooth decay?
Regular visits to the dentist help treat cavities at an early stage and prevent tooth loss.
Dental caries is a disease characterized by the demineralization and progressive deterioration of tooth enamel. This decay is the result of bacterial activity in the mouth, particularly bacteria that feed on the sugars and starches in our food.
These microorganisms release corrosive acids that wear down teeth over time. The result ? Tiny cavities that, if ignored, can grow and deepen, weakening your teeth and wreaking havoc on your smile.
According to information from Clínica Mayo, tooth decay affects a large number of people around the world, since any human being with teeth can suffer from it. Among its main causes are poor oral hygiene and excessive consumption of sweets or sugary drinks.
Tooth decay doesn’t just affect children and can develop at any age. Prevention and early treatment are therefore essential to maintain good oral health throughout life.
Dangers and complications of dental caries
To many people, tooth decay often seems like a harmless problem, but its destructive potential should not be underestimated. These bacteria can infiltrate the teeth and trigger a series of complications that go beyond simple discomfort.
1. Pain and discomfort
When cavities caused by tooth decay deepen, they can expose the sensitive nerves inside the teeth, causing sharp, shooting pain.
According to a study published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry and involving 7,247 children, 39% of them had at least one tooth affected by untreated decay. This condition is common in childhood and can cause problems with basic daily activities such as eating and sleeping.
2. Dental abscesses
This type of infection can spread to surrounding tissues, including the jaw and facial bones.
Untreated cavities can lead to the formation of dental abscesses. This serious complication occurs when a bacterial infection develops inside the tooth, causing swelling, extreme sensitivity and, in more severe cases, loss of the affected tooth.
Besides physical discomfort, a dental abscess can have serious consequences if not treated professionally and in a timely manner. The infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to systemic complications such as sepsis (generalized infection) or even meningitis.
3. Structural compromise of teeth
A case of advanced decay can compromise the structural integrity of the dentition, which may require invasive treatments such as tooth extraction.
4. Risk of secondary infections
Untreated dental infections can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, increasing the risk of more serious health problems, such as heart and respiratory diseases.
How to prevent dental caries?
Adopting healthy habits can help you avoid cavities and maintain a radiant smile throughout your life. Remember, when it comes to oral health, prevention is key, so keep these tips in mind.
Maintain good oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss to remove plaque between the teeth and along the gums. Limit your intake of sugars and starchy foods: eliminate from your diet sugary soft drinks, desserts and processed foods. It is best to adopt a healthier diet and focus on fresh fruits and vegetables. Use fluoride mouthwash: Incorporate fluoride mouthwash into your daily routine to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Say no to tobacco: Quitting smoking reduces the risk of tooth decay and other oral and general health problems. Seek professional help if necessary. Visit the dentist regularly: Schedule dental exams and professional cleanings at least twice a year to detect and treat tooth decay early.
Take care of your dental health and visit your dentist
Preventing tooth decay is essential to having a healthy smile and avoiding painful and costly long-term complications. So adopt good oral hygiene habits: brush your teeth regularly, floss every day, limit your sugar intake and see your dentist twice a year.
By taking these steps now, you can protect and enjoy your teeth for years to come – don’t let tooth decay steal your beautiful smile!
All sources cited have been thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this article has been considered academically or scientifically reliable and accurate.
Mayo Clinic. Cavities and tooth decay. Recuperado el 5/03/2024 de: J. G. S., Souza, S. E., Noronha, M. D. S., Ferreira, E. F. E., & Martins, A. M. E. D. B. L. (2018). Impact of untreated dental caries on the daily activities of children. Journal of Public Health Dentistry, 78(3), 197-202. Y., Wang, J., Dai, D., Wang, H., Zhang, M., Zhang, Z., … & Cheng, L. (2022). Application of a caries treatment difficulty assessment system in dental caries management. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14069.
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