4 Ways Tooth Decay Can Erode Your Overall Health

Tooth decay is one of the most common oral health issues. Studies estimate that about 90% of Americans develop at least one cavity by the time they’re adults, but many experience more than one over their lifetime. While you may assume tooth decay only impacts your oral health, left untreated, it can affect your body in a variety of other ways.

At Family Dental Group, with offices in Gardner, Northborough, and Paxton, Massachusetts, Nikhil Lavana, DMD, Archana Kharkanis-Lavana, DMD, and our team regularly treat tooth decay. Read on to discover four ways tooth decay may impact your overall health, so you can protect your smile and well-being.

1. Tooth decay can increase the risk of infection

Tooth decay occurs when plaque, a film of food particles, bacteria, and saliva, collects on your teeth and beneath your gums. If this film isn’t removed through daily brushing and flossing, it creates an acid that can erode your tooth enamel and lead to decay.

Over time, harmful bacteria from advanced decay or abscesses can enter your bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body. This may weaken your immune system, increasing the risk of serious infections.

2. Tooth decay can contribute to heart problems

When harmful oral bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can cause inflammation. This is a natural immune response, but if the underlying cause isn’t addressed quickly, it can become chronic. Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels, thicken the artery walls, and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

In rare cases, oral bacteria can collect on damaged heart valves or the inner linings of the heart, resulting in a serious infection called endocarditis.

3. Tooth decay can make diabetes harder to manage

If you’re one of the 38 million Americans with diabetes, keeping your teeth cavity-free is especially important. Without taking steps to lower your blood sugar, your glucose may spike, feeding the harmful oral bacteria responsible for cavities. 

Studies show that high blood sugar also increases the risk of gum disease and affects the body’s healing process. This means chronic oral infections can make blood sugar harder to control, increasing the risk of slow-healing wounds, such as diabetic ulcers.

4. Tooth decay can impact nutrition

Whether you have one cavity or several, you may find it challenging to eat certain foods, especially those that require a lot of chewing. You might be able to adjust your diet for a time, but fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins are necessary for proper nutrition. If you only eat soft or highly processed foods to cope, you may miss essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

When to see a dentist about tooth decay

Contact our caring team right away if you develop any signs of tooth decay, such as tooth sensitivity, gum inflammation, or pain when chewing. Prompt treatment can prevent the cavity from growing and lower your risk of other, more serious health issues.

After an oral exam and dental X-rays, we can make personalized treatment recommendations. Minor cavities typically require a metal-free filling, while larger ones may need a root canal, crown, or extraction.

Concerned about tooth decay? Request an appointment

If you’re concerned that you have a cavity, don’t wait to make an appointment. To schedule a new patient visit, call our nearest office or book online today.