Most of us have had at least one cavity at some point, and if we haven’t, statistics say we’ll eventually have one. While you might not think tooth decay is a big deal, even a small cavity can lead to big problems if it becomes infected.
At Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC, our skilled team specializes in treating infected teeth, using root canal therapy to eliminate deep decay and the germs that cause infections. Here’s why tooth infections happen and why you should never put off having them treated.
Tooth infections typically begin with a cavity or a dental injury, like a crack or chip, that lets germs enter the inner part of the tooth called the pulp. The pulp contains the blood vessels and nerves that support tooth health.
Cavities are caused by bacteria naturally found in your mouth. When these bacteria multiply — often due to poor oral hygiene or skipped cleaning appointments — they release acids that eat away at tooth enamel, making it easier for decay-causing bacteria to enter.
Tooth trauma, like cracks and chips, act the same way as enamel-eroding bacteria, creating openings in the protective outer layers of your tooth and providing access for bacteria. Tooth trauma isn’t always from an obvious injury — even a grinding or clenching habit can eventually lead to tiny cracks or fissures and an increased risk of cavities.
Once the bacteria are inside the tooth, their populations grow, and eventually they cause an infection. At this stage, most people have issues like sensitivity and tooth pain or other types of dental pain.
Relieving tooth pain is one important reason why it’s important to treat a dental infection as soon as possible. Delaying treatment leads to more pain, making it difficult to bite, chew, speak, and even sleep. But there’s another reason why prompt care is critical.
Bacteria are living organisms whose sole purpose is to multiply. As bacterial populations grow, the infection spreads, causing more tooth damage and even leading to eventual tooth loss.
But infections don’t just stop with your teeth: They can spread into your gum tissue, your jawbone, and throughout the rest of your body through your bloodstream. In fact, untreated dental problems can increase your risks of other serious medical problems, including heart disease and respiratory infections.
Treating infection as soon as possible eliminates pain, preserves your natural smile, and prevents those bacteria from spreading, so you can enjoy better oral health and better overall health, too.
If you suspect you have a tooth infection, don’t ignore your symptoms or try to relieve them with home remedies. Relief — and better health — is just one visit away. To learn how we can help, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC in New York City today.
