Don’t Let Tooth Decay Threaten Your Smile and Wellbeing
As a family and cosmetic dentist for over 30 years in Grapevine, Texas, Mason Dental emphasizes the importance of routine dental care. After all, oral health is far more than just achieving a bright, healthy smile! Did you know that neglecting to treat cavities and tooth decay can put your overall health at risk, including your heart and brain?
The Dangers of Untreated Cavities
Tooth decay occurs when acids from bacteria in your mouth attack and break down the outer enamel layer of your teeth. If a cavity is allowed to worsen without treatment, it will continue growing deeper into the tooth’s inner layers.
This can lead to a painful tooth abscess and infection that spreads beyond the tooth into the surrounding bone and gum tissue. Left untreated, the infection can enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body with potentially serious consequences.
How Cavities Threaten Your Heart Health
Multiple studies have found a link between poor oral health, particularly gum disease and untreated tooth decay, and an increased risk of heart disease. The theory is that bacteria from infected teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and travel to the arteries in the heart.
This causes inflammation that contributes to atherosclerosis, or hardening and narrowing of the arteries – a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Treating tooth decay and gum disease may help lower your risk of developing heart complications.
The Oral Health – Brain Health Connection
Emerging research also suggests a connection between poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and declining cognitive function. The harmful bacteria involved in gum disease are believed to travel through cranial nerves to the brain, causing inflammation that damages brain cells.
Studies have found that people with gum disease experience more cognitive decline and have a higher future risk of developing dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease compared to those with healthy gums. In fact, some experts have theorized that better oral care could potentially delay or prevent up to 40% of dementia cases.
Don’t Let Cavities Jeopardize Your Health
The bottom line is that keeping your teeth and gums healthy requires consistent preventive dental care and prompt treatment of any cavities or gum disease. At Mason Dental, we recommend:
- Brushing twice daily and flossing once per day
- Regular dental cleanings every 6 months are incredibly beneficial
- Professional examinations to check for cavities and signs of gum disease
- Treatment of cavities as soon as possible with tooth-colored fillings
By taking a proactive approach to your oral health now, you can protect not only your smile but your overall physical and cognitive well-being for years to come. Failure to treat cavities can have lasting impacts far beyond just tooth pain or loss.
Don’t wait until you experience symptoms – schedule your next preventive care visit at our Grapevine dental office today. Our skilled and compassionate team can conduct a full exam to catch any problems early and ensure you get the high-quality dental treatment you deserve. Contact us now to invest in a lifetime of whole-body health at Mason Dental!
Contact Mason Dental
817-481-4717
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
801 W Wall St
Grapevine, Texas
76051
