Good oral health is tied closely to good overall health. Your teeth are living things that are connected to your bloodstream and other systems in your body, which means that their health can impact your health in general, for better or worse.
What is the Structure of a Healthy Tooth?
The inside of a tooth is made up of dentin and pulp. The tooth pulp branches down into the root canals of the tooth, which sit in the bone of your jaw. The pulp leads out of the tooth down into bundles of blood vessels and nerves located at the very bottom of the tooth.
These channels of blood vessels and nerves provide the tooth with needed blood for it to function as well as feeling. When a tooth is infected or damaged and disease is allowed to spread within your mouth, it can lead to the rest of your body if you aren’t careful.
The Effects of Cavities and Gum Disease
Cavities and gum disease are two serious types of infection that can occur in your mouth. A cavity most commonly forms on the outer shell of your teeth, while gum disease starts in the soft tissues of the mouth. One or both can happen if teeth aren’t properly cared for.
If these infections are allowed to spread too far, they can cause serious harm to your mouth. Damaged or infected teeth can:
- Prevent you from eating comfortably.
- Make it difficult to speak properly.
- Potentially spread infection throughout your mouth or through the bloodstream to the rest of your body.
Properly caring for your teeth with preventative measures like brushing, flossing, and keeping up on regular dental cleaning and checkups can easily prevent or catch cavities or the beginning stages of gum disease before they spread too far.
Work on Better Oral Health with Carroll Dental Care Today!
Get in touch with us today with any questions or concerns about your oral health. Our team is ready and waiting to help you keep your teeth and your smile safe, healthy, and looking great.