Did you know that nearly 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have had dental caries in their permanent teeth? Cavities, although incredibly common, often go unnoticed or undiagnosed until they become a much bigger issue. This can lead many people to procrastinate or underestimate the urgency of dental visits.
The progression of a cavity from a minor inconvenience to a severe health problem can be surprisingly swift, turning what seems like a harmless delay into a serious mistake. Knowing the nature of cavities and recognizing the risks of ignoring them is important for maintaining not just oral health but overall well-being.
We’ll explore the potential consequences of neglecting treatment and discuss how long a cavity can go untreated.
What Is a Cavity?
A cavity is a permanently damaged area in the hard surface of your teeth that progressively becomes tiny openings or holes. It is also referred to as dental caries or tooth decay. A number of things can contribute to cavities, such as oral bacteria, frequent snacking, use of sugary beverages, and inadequate tooth brushing.
Acids that damage your tooth enamel are produced by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth, when you eat and drink things high in sugar and starch. Cavities may develop as a result of the enamel deteriorating over time due to these acid attacks.
What Happens If You Have a Cavity?
If you have a cavity, the initial symptoms may include minor discomfort or tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming hot, cold, or sugary foods. As the cavity progresses, you might notice visible signs, such as dark spots or holes in the tooth enamel.
If left untreated, the decay can infiltrate the dentin layer, leading to severe tooth pain and persistent toothaches. Bacteria from the cavity can cause bad breath and a foul taste in your mouth. If the decay reaches the tooth pulp, it may result in bacterial infections, necessitating treatments like root canals.
How Long Can You Leave a Cavity Untreated?
Leaving a cavity untreated is generally not advisable, as neglecting it can result in various oral health problems. Initially, you might only experience mild tooth sensitivity or minor discomfort. As the decay progresses through the tooth enamel and into the deeper layers of tooth structure, you could face severe pain and an increased risk of bacterial infections.
Untreated cavities can seriously harm the pulp of the tooth, leading to infections that may require more invasive treatments like root canals or even result in tooth loss. The longer a cavity remains untreated, the higher the risk of developing complications like tooth abscesses and extensive damage to surrounding tissues.
It’s essential to address cavities promptly to avoid severe oral health problems and preserve your overall dental health.
What Happens If You Leave a Cavity Untreated?
- Increased Tooth Sensitivity. Initially, the acid produced by bacteria in plaque will erode the tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity. This can make consuming hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages uncomfortable.
- Severe Pain. As the cavity progresses into the dentin layer or outer layer, the tooth becomes more vulnerable, often resulting in sharp pain. Severe pain can disrupt daily activities and affect your quality of life.
- Bacterial Infections. If the decay reaches the tooth pulp, containing nerves and blood vessels, it can cause bacterial infections. This scenario often necessitates more complex treatments like root canal procedures to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
- Tooth Abscess. Untreated cavities can lead to the formation of abscesses—pockets of pus caused by bacterial infections. Abscesses can cause swelling pain and can even spread to adjacent teeth and gum tissue, posing serious health risks.
- Tooth Loss. Prolonged neglect of cavities can result in irreversible damage, making it impossible to save the tooth. Extraction may become the only viable option, which subsequently affects dental structure and function.
- Spread of Decay. Cavities can spread to nearby teeth if left untreated, leading to a broader dental issue. This spreading decay complicates dental health further and may require extensive treatments like fillings, crowns, or even multiple extractions.
- Overall Health Risks. Untreated cavities might cause systemic health issues in severe circumstances. Bacterial infections from abscesses can enter the bloodstream. This can lead to serious conditions such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining) or other severe infections.
How to Prevent Cavities
Preventing cavities is essential for maintaining optimal dental health. Here are some great strategies to help you keep cavities at bay:
- Dental Hygiene Routine. Maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and flossing every day to get rid of food particles and plaque that get trapped between your teeth and gums.
- Regular Dental Check-Ups. Schedule regular checkups for professional cleanings and examinations. These visits help detect early signs of tooth decay and other dental issues, allowing for timely treatment.
- Use Fluoride Products. Incorporate fluoride toothpaste into your brushing routine and consider professional fluoride treatments from your dentist. Tooth enamel is strengthened and becomes more decay-resistant with the addition of fluoride.
- Adopt a Healthy Diet. Eat fewer sweet and acidic foods and beverages, as these can erode enamel and cause cavities. Choose a nutritious, well-balanced diet that supports dental health, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production, eliminates food particles, and balances acids made by bacteria that cause plaque to build. This reduces the chance of cavities.
- Consider Dental Sealants. Ask your dentist about dental sealants, a layer of defense put on the molars’ chewing surfaces. Sealants can prevent food and bacteria from getting trapped in the grooves and pits of your teeth, effectively preventing cavities.
- Limit Snacking. Frequent snacking increases the risk of cavities by providing a constant source of fuel for bacteria. Limit snacks, especially those high in sugar and starch, and try to eat them at regular mealtimes. If you do snack, choose healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
- Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water, particularly fluoridated water, to assist in rinsing out bacteria and food particles and to keep your mouth hydrated. Adequate saliva production is essential for neutralizing harmful acids and protecting against cavities.
What Are the Dental Procedures for Treating Cavities?
- Tooth Fillings. For most cavities, dentists will extract the tooth’s decaying section and fill the space with a unique substance such as composite resin, amalgam, or gold. The dental filling process restores the tooth’s shape and function and prevents further decay.
- Dental Crowns. If a tooth is severely decayed or structurally compromised, a crown may be necessary. The decayed area is removed, and a custom-made crown (usually made of porcelain, ceramic, or metal) is positioned on top of the tooth structure that is still there to give strength and cosmetic restoration.
- Root Canal Treatment. When decay reaches the tooth pulp, causing infection, a root canal may be required. This includes extracting the contaminated pulp thoroughly, cleaning and sanitizing the root canals, and sealing the space with a filling material. Often, a crown is placed on top to restore the tooth’s function.
- Fluoride Treatments. For early-stage cavities, professional fluoride treatments may be sufficient to restore the enamel. Fluoride can stop tooth decay in its tracks and strengthen the enamel. This makes it more resistant to future decay.
- Tooth Extraction. In cases where the tooth is too damaged to be restored, extraction may be necessary. Options for replacing lost teeth after extraction, such as bridges or dental implants, can be considered to maintain dental function and appearance.
Protect Your Smile: Book Your Dental Checkup With Us Today!
Timely dental care is essential because it helps prevent minor issues like cavities and gum disease from progressing into severe, painful conditions. Knowing the progression and potential complications of untreated cavities underscores the importance of regular dental care. Prevention and early treatment are important to maintaining your oral health and overall well-being.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of a cavity or it’s been a while since your last dental exam, don’t wait until the problem escalates. Take action today to protect your smile and avoid severe pain or tooth loss.
Contact Wheatland Dental Saskatoon to schedule an appointment. Our dedicated team of dental professionals is here to provide comprehensive care, from routine check-ups to advanced treatments. Let us help you achieve and maintain optimal dental health.
