How Long Can You Leave Your Cavity Untreated?

Cavities, which are commonly referred to as caries or tooth decay, are small holes or openings that result from damage to the hard surfaces of your teeth. This particular type of tooth damage is often caused by plaque and bacterial buildup in the mouth, dry mouth, sugary food and drink snacks, and inadequate brushing and flossing.

Dental cavities can also result from other medical conditions, such as acid reflux illness and eating problems, which may harm tooth enamel with acid. Cavities are common in all age groups, including adults, adolescents, and young children. Cavities can impact everyone who has teeth, even babies. If you or your child is suffering from dental cavities, visit a family dentist in Lakeview, Chicago, for a checkup. 

Is it safe to leave your cavity untreated?

The severity and location of symptoms might differ as tooth decay gets worse. You might experience symptoms like:

• Sensitive tooth
• Toothache, periodic pain, or hitting pain
• Mild to severe pain while eating cold, spicy, or sweet foods or drinks 
• Noticeable cavities or pits in your teeth 
• Stains on any tooth surface, which may be white, brown, or black 

Patients with tooth pain and other unpleasant symptoms often run to emergency dental clinics and request treatment. The dentist will check your teeth, identify whether you have any oral health issues, and create a personalized treatment plan to deal with them.

Furthermore, since your primary care dentist will check for cavities during those appointments, it is necessary to schedule regular dental cleanings and examinations. 

How long can someone ignore a dental cavity?

Even when your mouth feels okay, it is essential to visit the dentist for tests and cleanings on a regular basis since cavities may develop and not develop any pain or symptoms.

A cavity has three to six months before it gets to the tooth’s nerve, at which point it may cause pain, the loss of the tooth, or even a severe abscess that may be fatal. If you want to prevent both short- and long-term effects on your oral and general health, it is vital to get cavities along with other dental problems treated as soon as possible.

What will happen if a cavity is left untreated?

The longer it stays untreated, the more significant the cavity increases. When cavities remain untreated, they eventually begin to break the dentin, which is the inner layer of the tooth, leading to infection, excruciating pain, and even tooth loss. The tooth enamel, which is the outer coating of the tooth, is the first to be affected.

People of all ages, especially young children who still possess their baby teeth, may suffer severe and lasting effects from cavities.