Cavities are the most common disease afflicting children today, and they’re almost completely preventable. But, did you know that cavities affect other diseases as well? Here’s how cavities and tooth decay are linked to other common ailments.

Tooth Decay Can Lead to Infection– Or Worse

Severe cavities and tooth decayare major causes of tooth loss, whichmakes you more prone to infection.In severe cases, gum disease can cause lung infections or evenpneumonia.Additionally, cavities and infected teeth are riddled with unhealthy bacteria. If left untreated, a tooth infectioncan cause a deeper infection in the pulp tissue, which is painful and costly to treat. Thismay result in a hospital trip or medical emergency.

Cavities Can Complicate Diabetes

Cavities and gum disease can cause blood sugar to rise, and make it difficult to manage diabetes.Further research has shown that improving oral habits and treating gum diseasecan help improve blood sugar control,and decreasethe progression of the disease. If your child has diabetes, be sure that they are in a regular oral health routine, and that your pediatric dentist is aware of their condition.

Cavities Can Increase Risk of Heart Disease

Many studies have pointed out that plaque buildup can increase the odds of contracting heart disease and stroke. Bacteria that cause oral disease and cavities can release toxins that travel through the bloodstream and help to form fatty plaques in the arteries. This can greatly increase someone’s chances of heart disease.

Cavities are Almost Completely Preventable

You can help your child prevent cavities through brushing twice per day for 2 minutes at a time, and flossing once every day. Additionally, avoid serving your children sugary drinks, or too many starchy foods, since both have excessive sugar that feeds the bacteria that can cause cavities. Also, be sure your child is drinking plenty of waterwhich naturally cleans teeth by rinsing away food debris.

Visit Our Office

Tooth decay is painful and can affect the overall health of developing mouths, whichis why early treatment is the best way to handle cavities – and that’s where we come in! Our dental practice specializes in treating children and oral health ailments specific to young mouths. Schedule an appointment with our office today so that we can evaluate the state of your child’s oral health, and provide a treatment plan that works for them. 

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