Have you ever had a cavity that you knew needed to be filled but you just kept procrastinating until it really started to hurt? When an oral ailment is left untreated, it can cause further problems that may be unknown to you. The mouth harbors an abundance of bacteria that make it very possible to put your oral health in a dire situation if you don’t practice proper oral hygiene or avoid making an appointment to visit your dentist for a regular check-up or dental cleaning. We’re going to list a few examples to show you which oral ailments can turn for the worst so you know what red flags to look out for. If you should lose a tooth in the process, look to dental implants as a #1 restorative treatment.

Cavities

If a patient leaves a cavity untreated, the tooth decay can erode through the enamel, through the dentin, and eventually will compromise the very core of the tooth, known as the pulp. The pulp is composed of several nerve endings and tissues that can feel highly sensitive to extreme temperatures, certain foods, and drinks. Even brushing the cavity and around the cavity can feel painful. In these situations where the tooth has been thoroughly affected and compromised by tooth decay, the dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the affected pulp so the pain and sensitivity can be eliminated entirely. Once he has done that, he will rebuild the tooth to a point where it can be topped with a crown (also known as a cap). The crown is color matched to match the rest of your teeth so nobody can tell the difference between your real teeth and your crown.

If the patient had made a visit to the dentist in the earlier stages of the cavity, the dentist could have easily removed the decayed area and filled the cavity with a tooth-colored filling material or whichever material you and your dentist decide on. Voila, a treated cavity with no crown needed; this makes for a much simpler and easier procedure when you catch the cavity in time.

Tooth Loss

Tooth loss is another oral ailment that could be easily prevented if the proper steps are taken. For example, if a patient does not maintain good oral hygiene, sticky plaque can build up and stay stuck to the enamel, thus producing more tooth decay. The tooth decay then permeates the tooth and kills the pulp in the center (as said in the previous example).

If a root canal has not been performed, the tooth will eventually fall out, leaving an empty gap. When the empty space is not stimulated, the jawbone beneath the gums will eventually deteriorate and slowly collapse on itself, leaving the face to look sunken in and prematurely aged beyond its years. In some cases, people receive dentures or dental bridges, in other cases they may choose to take the dental implant route due to their permanency. In order to prevent tooth loss from occurring, one must maintain optimal oral hygiene. This means the patient should floss their teeth once a day, and brush their teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day, morning and night.

An added bonus would be to use a tongue scraper to remove the bad bacteria that gets trapped on the tongue and creates bad breath. By following these tips, you’ll have a fresh and healthy mouth in no time. Just remember not to brush too hard or you can risk actually scratching the enamel; a perfect medium will do your teeth a lot of good.