The Dangers of Cavities You Should Know
GBS - Teeth are one part of the human body that functions to chew and destroy food. Teeth are in the oral cavity and are located in the gums. The main function of the teeth is to process food before it is digested by the body's digestive system.
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- Incisors (incisivi): Incisors are the front teeth that are pointed and are used for cutting food.
- Canine teeth (canine): Canine teeth are usually sharp and function to tear and shred food.
- Premolars (premolars): Premolars serve to crush food and are located behind the canines.
- Molars (molars): Molars are the back teeth and function to grind food into smaller particles so that it is easier to digest.
Adult humans usually have 32 teeth, but some people may have fewer teeth due to tooth extraction or other dental abnormalities. Maintaining healthy teeth is very important because healthy teeth play an important role in the food processing function and also contribute to one's appearance and self-confidence. To maintain healthy teeth, it is important to maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly, using dental floss, and avoiding consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar and acid. In addition, check your teeth regularly to the dentist for proper examination and treatment.
Cavities are a condition in which the enamel (outer layer of the tooth) and dentin (the middle layer of the tooth) are damaged due to the decay process due to bacterial activity in the mouth. This condition is also known as dental caries or tartar. Cavities can be a serious problem and have the potential to cause harm to the health of the mouth and the body as a whole. Here are some of the dangers of cavities:
- Tooth pain: Cavities can cause pain and sensitivity around the affected tooth. This pain can be mild or severe depending on how badly the tooth decay is.
- Tooth infection: If cavities are not treated, bacteria can spread deeper into the tooth tissue and cause infection of the pulp (the tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves). A tooth infection can lead to a tooth abscess, which occurs when a pocket of pus forms under a tooth root or in the mouth tissue.
- More severe tooth decay: If cavities are left unchecked, the damage can get worse and can reach the root of the tooth. At this stage, tooth repair may be more complicated and expensive, and the tooth may even have to be pulled.
- Eating and speech disturbances: Severe cavities can cause difficulty eating or speaking, especially if the affected teeth are the front teeth or the chewing teeth.
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body: Infection from untreated cavities can spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body and cause more serious health problems.
- Decreased quality of life: Pain, discomfort, and aesthetic problems from cavities can affect a person's quality of life, including sleep disturbances and changes in eating behavior.
- Health care costs: If cavities are not treated on time, more expensive dental health care may be needed to repair more severe tooth decay.
Prevention of cavities is very important in maintaining overall dental and oral health. Preventive measures include routinely brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, using dental floss to clean the area between the teeth, avoiding foods and drinks that are high in sugar, and having regular dental checkups by a dentist to detect and treat dental problems from an early age. early.