Few people realise the consequences of untreated teeth. We usually equate this fact with pain, unpleasant mouth odour and an unsightly smile. Unfortunately, this discomfort can turn into something much worse. Untreated dentition leads to very serious diseases and, in extreme cases, even to heart attack or death.
Dental caries is a common disease and is the most common problem in the teeth of Poles. At the same time, for most of us it does not appear to be anything dangerous until the dentist is forced to take radical steps. The second place on the podium is occupied by parodontosis, i.e. periodontitis, which results in the loosening of teeth - most often only in adults, but also increasingly in adolescents. In the case of both apparently harmless diseases, bacteria are responsible for the damage. Underestimating these problems most often results in multi-organ disease, from tooth loss to headaches to cancer and a whole spectrum of diseases resulting from complications.
Less obvious consequences of not treating your teeth?
- We do not take into account the fact that bacteria from the mouth, can enter the bloodstream and attack virtually every organ in our body. Infection of the kidneys can lead to complete kidney failure, an attack on the pancreas can contribute to diabetes and ulcers in the stomach. Our most important organ, the heart, is also at risk. Responsible for this process are bacteria from the streptococcus family, which, as a result of an immune reaction, can settle on the small blood vessels, thus reducing their diameter, which significantly impedes blood flow. These microorganisms also cause the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, which, when it breaks away from the vessel, clogs its clearance, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. Scientific studies in recent years show that certain strains of batteries, present in the mouth, can cause spinal meningitis, explains Monika Pordes, MD, specialist in implantology and oral surgery.
People who ignore oral problems are at risk of contracting sepsis, which is life-threatening with an impaired immune system. Joint disease, so common in the elderly, is also among the conditions that can be caused by bacteria from untreated teeth. Pregnant women in particular need to be careful, as they are at risk of difficulties in carrying a pregnancy, premature birth and even miscarriage.
Self-destruction of the organism
One of the problems that can afflict us with an abnormal response to carious lesions in the teeth is autoimmune disease. Any accumulation of bacteria in the mouth causes our body to stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies. By not treating the diseased tooth, we lead the antibodies to attack healthy organs. In this case, people before or after transplants need to be particularly careful, as the confused immune system will want to destroy the cause of the weakness at all costs, attacking the transplanted organ and leading to its rejection.
From tooth extraction to eating disorders
The problem itself, when we are talking about not treating a diseased tooth, can develop deep into our mouth and jaws, leading to loss of teeth and consequently problems chewing food. Gastrointestinal problems and even eating disorders can follow, often manifesting as anorexia nervosa.
To begin with, the problem manifests itself as a reluctance to bite due to the pain that accompanies this activity. Another issue is aesthetics - people with dental problems are simply embarrassed to eat in public, and this often leads to avoiding social interaction and attending important events, celebrations and gatherings of which a meal is part. At the other extreme is obesity. People who have severely damaged teeth do not bite, they only sip, which also makes them eat more. This in a straight line leads to obesity, and obesity, as we know, also contributes to increased disease processes.
Source: medexpress.co.uk