Why Untreated Cavities Can Lead to Death: Prevention and Complications

YOGYAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Cavities not only cause discomfort when you eat or drink. In fact, cavities can cause death if left untreated.

Although not directly, cavities can become infected and have a negative impact on the health of other body organs, including the heart and kidneys.

For more details, see the following explanation and how to prevent complications.

Also read: Is Toothache Related to Diabetes? Here’s What Experts Say…

Cavities can cause death if left unchecked

Leaving cavities can indirectly affect the health of other body organs, such as the heart and kidneys, so that the risk of death can increase.

“So he had a cavity in his tooth, it wasn’t treated, he didn’t do anything about it, and it continued to form an abscess. “An abscess is the body’s defense against infection, so if it festers, it can go to the heart and go anywhere,” explained Drg. Usman Sumantri, MSc., speaking at the inauguration of the 2023 National Dental Health Month (BKGN) organized by Pepsodent, at Gadjah Mada University, Tuesday (11/9/2023).

The reason is that infected cavities contain many germs that can spread throughout the body through the bloodstream, thereby affecting the health of other body organs indirectly.

In fact, infection can cause death if not treated immediately.

“Well, when our body is tired or its immunity decreases, it (germs in cavities) will spread along our blood vessels, it can go to the heart, it can go to the kidneys, and so on,” added Prof. Drg. Suryono, SH, MM, Ph.D. who is also one of the speakers for BKGN 2023.

Even though it is often considered trivial, cavities can actually be dangerous to your health if not treated immediately.

Also read: When do children start learning to brush their teeth? Here’s the Expert’s Explanation…

How to prevent cavities complications

Apart from carrying out medical procedures to treat cavities, taking preventive measures is also necessary to reduce the risk of complications.

According to NHS Inform, there are several ways to prevent cavities that can be done, such as:

Reduce consumption of sweetened and starchy foods, especially before bed or between meals. Brush your teeth with toothpaste that contains fluoride at least twice a day, clean between your teeth with dental floss, and rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience dry mouth for several days as it could be a serious medical problem

Doctor Usman also added that apart from brushing your teeth, regular dental examinations every six months are also necessary.

A medical examination is necessary to detect cavities early because not everyone experiences any symptoms, including pain or soreness.

“Six months, see a doctor, don’t let the cavities continue or your teeth will become gangrenous (dead teeth). “It doesn’t have to be gangrene, until it’s festering, it’s already a problem,” explained the Chief Executive of the Indonesian Dentists Association (PDGI).

Understanding how cavities can cause death if left untreated is very important so you can take the necessary preventive measures.

The reason is, cavities cannot be taken lightly because they can indirectly trigger more serious medical problems if left unchecked.

Also read: What Happens If Cavities Are Left Left? Get to know the 6 complications

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2023-09-18 23:00:00
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