Failing to adequately respond to the dental issues that you are experiencing can be a mistake that could lead to some serious oral health problems. Unfortunately, there are many different problems that can impact a patient's mouth, and they may not know all of the options for responding to these situations or the consequences of failing to take action.

Dental Decay

Dental decay is one of the most common issues that your mouth can experience. Unfortunately, improper brushing habits can substantially increase the prospects of a person developing a cavity. Luckily, cavities are generally a slowly developing problem. This attribute can give you an opportunity to have repairs completed to the tooth before the decay can grow to be too severe. Unfortunately, cavities can be very difficult to notice until they become large and deep enough to cause physical pain or discomfort. However, routine dental cleanings can provide an opportunity for these issues to be found so that treatments can be completed before the tooth weakens too much.

Dental Infections

A dental infection is a significant problem that has the potential to cause major medical problems for a patient. Often, these infections will begin due to bacteria getting inside a tooth. Cavities and chips in the tooth can be openings in the outer enamel that allow bacteria to make it much further than normal into the tooth. Once a dental infection has formed, a root canal may be needed to fully remove the diseased tissue so that the patient's mouth will be able to properly heal. While root canals can have a poor reputation, they are relatively mild procedures that may only leave a patient sore for a day or two.

Damage To A Tooth's Integrity

Any damage to the structural integrity of a tooth can be a serious problem that will potentially lead to the tooth having to be removed. Unfortunately, patients can have the tendency to overlook the hazards that structural damage to their teeth can pose, which can contribute to them delaying seeking treatments for these issues. Whenever you have a tooth that has been chipped or cracked, it should be treated as soon as possible. While this problem may not cause immediate pain or discomfort, it can create an opening in the tooth that may become infected or rapidly decay if it is not addressed. When chips and cracks are relatively minor, the procedure for repairing them may involve applying a small amount of dental bonding to seal the opening and reinforce that portion of the tooth.

For more information, contact a local dentist.