Can decaying teeth cause health problems? If you are wondering whether or not bad teeth can make you sick, then the answer is yes, it can, though gradually. The build-up of bad bacteria in your mouth can cause harmful infections to your body, courtesy of poor oral health.

Taking care of your oral health is very crucial, and as hefty as the bill for dentist appointments and dental treatment may be, consider it a long-term investment. That way, you’ll be shielding yourself from illnesses such as diabetes or stroke. If you’re searching for solutions to prevent decaying teeth to avoid unwanted long-term illness, then this article is for you.

What is Tooth Decay

Understanding the oral issue you’re dealing with can help point you in the right direction to avoid it. Tooth decay refers to the destruction of the outer enamel layer of your tooth by bad bacteria in your mouth, commonly identified as plaque.

Consumption of starchy and sugary foods and drinks can cause the plaque to produce harmful acid, which corrodes the outer layer of the enamel. This causes the teeth to break down, a condition known as cavity eventually.

Once this happens, the bacteria and the plaque finally reach the define—the bone-like softer material beneath the enamel that speeds up the tooth decay process. Without an earlier or proper treatment, the bacteria can enter the pulp which is the center of the teeth containing blood vessels and nerves.

With the nerves now exposed to the bacteria, often, the affected tooth will be painful. Moreover, this bacteria can also cause dental abscesses, and if it spreads into the bones, you’ll be at risk of developing a different kind of abscess.

Can decaying teeth make you sick?

From what we’ve just touched on, it’s pretty apparent that excellent oral health is crucial. Aside from cavities alone, bad breath and gum disease are also capable of causing severe issues with teeth and mouth in general.

Remember that your mouth also serves as the pathway of pathogens and other bacteria into your body. Through a cavity or any oral condition that affects the nerves and blood vessels, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream easily, causing inflammation and infections in various parts of your body. Adopting good oral hygiene and care techniques will also go a long way toward preventing any future diseases or illnesses.

Health Issues That might Occur from Poor Oral Hygiene

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Up until 2012, poor oral health was linked to heart disease. But the American Association experts thoroughly reviewed the evidence backing such claims and concluded that poor oral hygiene didn’t cause heart disease. However, gum disease and tooth decay —due to bacterial infections — increased the risk of a person developing a heart infection as it was a pathway to the heart through the blood vessels.

Increasing Self Consciousness

With decaying teeth, one automatically becomes self-conscious about their smile. And so may fear smiling back to other people given the disastrous situation in their mouths due to fear of being judged.

Weakens the Immune System

A person’s smile is probably the first thing most people can notice in any typical social Interaction. And some may even be teased for the appearance of their teeth which may cause depression or even anxiety that might have diverse health effects on them.

Poor oral health leads to bacterial build-up in the mouth. Since these bacteria can burrow their way into your teeth to the blood vessels, and finally to the bloodstream, they can wreak unimaginable havoc on your immune system. With a weakened immune system, you’ll be at the mercy of serious illnesses. Plus, you’ll be feeling fatigued most of the time.

Propelling an existing Health Condition

As long as you aren’t taking care of your teeth well, it’ll put you at risk of a worsening underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV/AIDs, and other severe illnesses. This is primarily caused by unhealthy levels of bad bacteria in the mouth.

Since these bacteria can weaken your immune system, they’ll significantly make the existing condition much worse. By improving your oral hygiene, you’ll steer clear of the weakened immune system, gum diseases, and, most importantly, cavities.

How to Get Rid of Cavities

The key to avoiding bodily illnesses from poor oral health is adopting healthy oral hygiene. Tips you can use are as follows.

Drink tap water more often: many public water supplies are mixed with fluoride —a compound that significantly reduces tooth decay. So to ensure you’re ripping the benefits of fluoride, ditch bottled water for tap water.

Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste: after a meal or a drink, especially a sugary one, brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. To thoroughly clean your teeth, use an interdental cleaner or floss.

Consider using dental Sealants: these are protective plastic coatings mainly applied to the back teeth surface that tends to collect food. The sealants prevent plaque from forming and are resistant to acid produced by the bad bacteria.CDC recommends using these sealants on school-age children. Generally, these protective gears can last for many years before being replaced. However, you should always see your dentist to check on them regularly.

Eating tooth-healthy foods: the same way some foods are good for your teeth is the same way others aren’t. Avoid foods that are more likely to get stuck in the pits and grooves of your teeth for a very long time. Alternatively, brush your teeth immediately after eating such foods. On the other hand, foods like unsweetened tea and coffee help wash food particles from the mouth, while fresh vegetables and fruits help boost salvation which eliminates bad bacteria.

Final Takeaway

When it comes to healthy oral health. You will need to take time to care for your teeth. There is nothing stopping your general immune system from being as vibrant as your smile. As mentioned previously, poor oral health makes you susceptible to scary health conditions. The sooner you spot a tooth cavity, the sooner you should see your dentist and prevent unprecedented health consequences.

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Deborah Jones

Deborah Jones is a registered dietitian nutritionist and nationally recognized nutrition expert.She graduated from Long Island University with a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics in 2002.
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