If you have one or several small cavities in your mouth, then it is wise to speak with your dentist as soon as possible to have them treated. If you wait too long, then there are a wide variety of issues that can develop. Keep reading to learn about a few of them.

Bad Breath

You may know that garlic and onions cause bad breath, and so can the buildup of tartar and plaque on the teeth. Cavities can create even more extensive bad breath issues. A cavity is essentially a bacterial infection in your dental enamel. This type of infection is caused by anaerobic microorganisms, meaning the bacteria do not need oxygen to survive. Since they do not require oxygen, they can remain deep in the cavity and far from the cleaning tools you use to brush your teeth. 

The anaerobic bacteria release sulfur compounds as they infect your tooth and multiply. These compounds cause bad breath issues. 

Inflammation around the infected tooth can contribute to bad breath as well, since food will often become trapped underneath and around inflamed gum tissues. Bacteria feed off this food and produce the same sorts of byproducts as the bacteria that create dental infections. 

Dental Abscesses

When a cavity develops, bacteria multiply and more and more of the microorganisms thrive in the area. These bacteria can then start to infect tissues in the nearby region. Bacteria can move into the middle of the tooth where the blood-rich dental pulp is found or they can slip underneath the gums. When these regions are infected, a pocket of pus and bacteria forms. This is an abscess.

Abscesses are painful and release a foul odor into the mouth. They also can grow quite large, seep into the mouth, and spread bacteria to other parts of the body. While gum abscesses can typically be treated with antibiotics, the ones that form inside the teeth must be treated with a root canal. Most people like to avoid root canals, so a timely filling appointment is a much better option.

You should know that abscesses can sometimes lead to very serious, but rare, conditions like brain infections as well. These infections, as well as the ones that can travel and develop in the heart, require a stay in the hospital. 

If you think you have at least one dental cavity, speak with your dentist as soon as possible to have it treated before a more serious issue arises. 

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