What Are the Long-Term Effects of Tooth Decay?

Tooth Decay Tacoma, WA

Tooth decay may seem unavoidable, but there are many things that can be done to prevent it. Read on to learn about the long-term effects of tooth decay. It is extremely important to make a conscious effort on a day-to-day basis to maintain good oral health. When the oral cavity as a whole is healthy, the teeth are a lot less likely to decay. The long-term effects of tooth decay can be irreversible, which is why it is so crucial to try and avoid it.

What does tooth decay mean in the long term?

Below is an overview of what can happen long-term as a result of tooth decay. This information is important to review, especially for those who are struggling to maintain good oral health.

The effects of tooth decay

The long-term effects of tooth decay may be surprising. Oftentimes people think that tooth decay is limited to only destroying the actual teeth, however, that is far from true. Of course, over time if tooth decay is not stopped and treated, the teeth will significantly suffer. Ultimately, they can completely rot, resulting in loss or the need for an extraction. Aside from the health of the teeth, the rest of the oral cavity, as well as the entire body, can suffer.

When tooth decay sets in, the rest of the mouth is not immediately impacted; however, over time, there are some pretty serious side effects. Tooth decay occurs because of a bacterial infection and if it is not stopped, the infection will spread. This means that the gums can become infected, which will ultimately lead to gum disease.

As far as the entire body goes, if tooth decay is not stopped, the infection can spread through the bloodstream. If this does happen, the result can be developing conditions as serious as diabetes, heart disease, and even a heart attack.

What else to know

When it comes to tooth decay, it is a good idea to keep in mind that a dentist is the best resource to utilize. While at-home oral hygiene does do wonders for the teeth, it simply is not enough on its own. Foods and beverages contain harmful agents that can attack the teeth even if they are brushed that same day. Dentists are trained to know what to look for, which means they can catch red flags and make an attempt to prevent tooth decay. Seeing a dentist at least twice a year for check-up appointments and cleanings can go a long way in maintaining good oral health.

The bottom line

When struggling to maintain good oral health, it is a good idea to consult directly with a dentist. The dentist can evaluate the teeth and determine why tooth decay is developing. From there, a plan of action can be put into place, which will be used to put decay to a halt and prevent it from continuing to develop. To learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment, reach out to our dental office today.

Request an appointment here: https://www.korsmofamilydental.com or call Korsmo Family Dental at (253) 336-0016 for an appointment in our Tacoma office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Tooth Decay in Tacoma, WA.

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