Everyone has experienced the problem of cavities, from children to the elderly. Cavities are an oral and dental health problem that often causes discomfort when chewing something or talking. Cavities are a condition where the outer layer of the teeth is eroded, creating a hole in the tooth. This condition is caused by a buildup of bacteria due to a lack of proper hygiene and oral health.
Unfortunately, there are still many people who consider cavities to be trivial and only treat this condition as is, without understanding the potential dangers that can occur if they allow cavities.
Why can cavities be fatal?
1 . Painful abscess infection
One of the most common complications of cavities is the development of an abscess infection. This infection occurs when bacteria enter the dental pulp (the tissue of blood vessels and tooth nerves) and form pus. This tooth abscess is very painful and can spread to the surrounding tissue. If left untreated, these abscesses can spread to other parts of the body, and cause more serious infections.
2 . Unexpected tooth loss
Cavities that are not treated immediately and completely can cause serious damage to the tissue supporting the teeth as well as damage and destruction of the tooth crown so that the tooth must be removed. Losing teeth can interfere with a person's ability to chew food well, speak clearly, and even affect facial aesthetics.
3 . Threatening periodontal disease
Cavity infections can spread to the tissues supporting the teeth, such as the gums and jawbone. This can lead to periodontal disease, including gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (damage to the tissue supporting the teeth). Without proper treatment, periodontal disease can cause loss of teeth and supporting tissue (in this case the alveolar/jaw bone), as well as contribute to more serious general health problems.
4 . Impact on general health
There is a link between dental and oral infections (cavities and infections) and general health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. Poor dental conditions can affect the immune system and cause chronic inflammation, which in turn can affect overall health.
5 . Chronic pain and discomfort
Cavities are often accompanied by prolonged pain and discomfort. This pain can interfere with daily activities such as eating, drinking, talking, and even sleeping. The negative impact on quality of life cannot be ignored.
6 . Worse for patients with a history of heart disease
Dental health is closely related to the health of other body organs. Therefore, if there is a serious tooth infection, it can cause the infection to spread to other organs, such as the heart. One of the negative impacts that may arise from a dental infection is the possibility of infection of the inner muscles of the heart, known as bacterial endocarditis. Quick and appropriate treatment by a professional dentist is very important in preventing the spread of dental infections because infections have serious consequences, even life-threatening. These are the possible results if we ignore the problem of cavities for a long time.
How to prevent cavities?
1 . Maintain dental hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day, at least in the morning and before bed, with toothpaste containing fluoride for 3 minutes in a manner that uses dental floss or an interdental tool to clean between your teeth every day to prevent the buildup of food residue that causes tooth decay. hole.
2 . Regulate your diet: Limit consumption of foods and drinks that are high in sugar, especially sweet snacks and drinks. Eat a balanced diet, including foods containing fiber (fruit and vegetables) and products containing calcium and vitamin D3.
3 . Avoid bad habits: Avoid smoking and consuming tobacco products and eliminate the habit of consuming alcohol.
4 . Gargle with antiseptic water: Gargling with antiseptic water or mouthwash containing fluoride can help reduce bacteria to improve oral hygiene and is one way to prevent cavities. Gargling with an antiseptic should be according to the dentist's instructions.
5 . Routine dental care: Routinely visit the dentist for regular dental examinations and cleanings every 6 months. Discuss with your dentist about additional options such as applying a fluoride coating or pit and fissure sealant to the teeth. By implementing these measures in your daily life, you can reduce your risk of cavities and maintain good dental health. In addition, consult your dentist for more specific advice according to the condition of your teeth and mouth.
Considering the potential serious impact of cavities, it is very important to maintain dental health and regularly consult a dentist. Good dental care, including flossing regularly and avoiding foods or drinks high in sugar, can help prevent dental problems. Continue to diligently clean your teeth at least twice a day and support it with other medical equipment so that you and your family's dental and oral health is maintained perfectly. It is important to remember that painkillers are not a long-term solution to cavities, and information circulating on the internet is not always reliable. Therefore, don't hesitate to consult a dentist to get the right treatment if you experience cavities.
If you experience dental problems, such as aches or pain due to cavities, immediately consult a dentist at EMC Sentul Hospital to get appropriate treatment and prevent fatal consequences. Our best dentists are always ready to provide the best services that support dental and oral health. Remember that simple preventative measures can help you maintain healthy teeth and overall body health.
Article written by drg. Diana Roosanti, MARS (Dentist at EMC Sentul Hospital).