Consequences of Ignoring a Cavity

Consequences of Ignoring a Cavity

Consequences of Ignoring a Cavity

Consequences of Ignoring a Cavity

Don’t Ignore a Cavity – The Consequences Could Be Severe!

Everybody wants a glowing, healthy smile, but unfortunately, it takes more than just brushing and flossing. Regular dental check-ups are just as important to maintain healthy teeth and gums. A routine dental examination can help identify a cavity before it worsens, and prevents irreversible damage or tooth loss. In this article, we discuss the consequences of ignoring a cavity and the importance of timely treatment.

Increased Sensitivity

A cavity is nothing but the decay of the tooth caused by the bacteria in the mouth. Initially, you may experience mild to severe sensitivity when consuming hot or cold drinks or food. However, if the cavity is not treated, the tooth’s pulp which contains the nerves and blood vessels will be exposed to the bacteria, exacerbating the sensitivity issue. This can lead to pain while eating, talking, or even while sleeping.

Teeth Damage

As the cavity grows deeper and larger, it will eat away a significant portion of the tooth, exposing the dentin (the sensitive layer of tooth tissue beneath the enamel). This leaves the tooth more vulnerable to sudden and acute damage. Chewing hard or crunchy food, using excessive pressure while brushing, or clenching your teeth can easily chip or break the infected tooth.

Gum Disease

A cavity that is ignored for a long time can infect the root of the tooth, leading to gum disease. The bacteria can cause inflammation and redness in the gums, and they can become swollen and start bleeding. Gum disease can lead to loosening of the tooth, finally leading to complete tooth loss. Untreated gum disease can exacerbate into a more acute form of gum disease, compromising the overall oral health.

Tooth Abscess

If the cavity is ignored for long, the bacteria eat through the tooth’s enamel and reach the pulp containing the nerves in the innermost layer of the tooth. The bacteria can cause severe inflammation, forming pus beneath the gum line. This can result in a tooth abscess in the form of pain, swelling, and fever, and can even spread further into the face, jaw, or neck, leading to severe complications.

Expensive Treatment

Ignoring a cavity can lead to tooth damage and gum disease and may require a root canal or tooth extraction, which can be more expensive than the initial cavity filling. Delaying the cavity treatment can also lead to more significant, unsolvable problems, requiring even more expensive or time-intensive treatments like implants or even bridges.

Contact Us Today!

The bottom line is, ignoring a cavity can lead to serious oral health problems and can be detrimental to the overall wellness. Seeking immediate dental attention and regular checkups ensure a healthy, glowing smile, and prevent the difficult and expensive treatment required to fix major dental problems. Don’t let the pain or sensitivity persist any more extended, contact Plaza Dental Parker in Parker, CO, and get the right medical aid. Don’t compromise on your oral wellbeing; keep in touch with your dentist regularly.

Long-Term Consequences of Missing Your Bi-Annual Dental Visit

Long-Term Consequences of Missing Your Bi-Annual Dental Visit

Long-Term Consequences of Missing Your Bi-Annual Dental Visit

Long-Term Consequences of Missing Your Bi-Annual Dental Visit

The Importance of Oral Health Care for Seniors

As we age, our bodies go through many changes. These changes can sometimes make it more difficult to take care of our oral health. For instance, dry mouth is a common problem for seniors that can lead to an increased risk for cavities and gum disease. Additionally, medications taken for other health conditions can also cause side effects that impact oral health.

Despite these challenges, it’s important for seniors to prioritize their oral health care. Good oral hygiene not only contributes to overall health and well-being, but it can also boost self-confidence and quality of life. Fortunately, there are many steps seniors can take to maintain good oral health.

Here are a few tips for seniors who want to maintain good oral health:

1. Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings: It’s important to visit your Parker Co Dentist at least once a year for a professional cleaning and checkup. This way, any problems can be caught early and treated before they become more serious.

2. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste will help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Be sure to use gentle circular motions and don’t forget to brush your tongue! 

3. Floss daily: In addition to brushing, it’s important to floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. If you have trouble holding floss, there are many floss holders available that can make the process easier.

4. Eat a balanced diet: Eating a diet that is low in sugar and high in nutrients will help keep your teeth and gums healthy. Be sure to include plenty of crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots, which help clean your teeth as you eat them!

5. Quit smoking: Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your oral health (not to mention your overall health). If you smoke tobacco products, quitting is the best thing you can do for your teeth and gums—not to mention your overall health!

6. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping your mouth healthy. Water helps rinse away sugars and acids that contribute to tooth decay, and it also helps keep your saliva levels balanced so that your mouth doesn’t get too dry.

7. Use alcohol-free mouthwash: Mouthwash can be a great way to freshen your breath and kill bacteria in your mouth. However, many products contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth and make problems like bad breath worse. Look for alcohol-free mouthwashes or rinses instead.

8. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth at night: Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a common problem that can cause serious damage to your teeth over time. If you think you might grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting fitted for a nightguard—a custom-made appliance that protects your teeth from grinding while you sleep.

Good oral hygiene is crucial for seniors who want to maintain their overall health and well-being—but it’s not always easy. Fortunately, there are many steps that seniors can take to keep their mouths healthy despite the challenges they may face due to age-related changes or medications. By following these tips, seniors can enjoy good oral health now and long into the future!

Good oral health care is important for seniors for many reasons. It helps them to keep their teeth, which in turn can help with nutrition. Additionally, it can allow them to socialize and participate in favorite activities without embarrassment or discomfort. Finally, good oral health has been linked with overall physical health, so it’s important for seniors to take care of their teeth and gums. If you’re a senior citizen who hasn’t been to the dentist in a while, or if you have questions about taking care of your teeth, please contact Plaza Dental Parker today. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment for you.