A broken tooth can be a painful and unsettling experience. Despite this, many people may try to ignore it or put off seeking treatment, often due to fear or financial concerns. However, this isn’t the best way to deal with this unfortunate situation. Believe it or not, leaving a broken tooth untreated—even if it’s not bothering you—can have serious consequences for your oral health.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what happens if a broken tooth goes untreated and why it is important to seek prompt dental care.
1. Increased Risk of Infection
One of the main risks of leaving a broken tooth untreated is the increased risk of infection. See, when a tooth is broken, it compromises the protective enamel layer, allowing bacteria to enter the inner layers of the tooth.
This can lead to an infection in the pulp or root of the tooth, causing pain, swelling, and even abscesses. If left untreated, an infected tooth can result in serious complications and may even require extraction.
2. Tooth Decay and Cavities
Another consequence of ignoring a broken tooth is an increased risk of tooth decay and cavities. In this case, the rough edges of a broken tooth can trap food particles and bacteria, creating an ideal environment for decay.
Over time, this decay can spread to neighboring teeth and compromise your overall oral health.
3. Gum Disease
Untreated broken teeth can also contribute to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. When bacteria from a broken tooth infect the gums, it can cause inflammation and bleeding, eventually leading to gum recession and bone loss over time.
And gum disease doesn’t only have consequences for your oral health. It has also been linked to systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Fortunately, seeking treatment for a broken tooth can help prevent these serious complications.
4. Changes in Bite Alignment
Leaving a broken tooth untreated can also affect your bite alignment and overall dental function. As neighboring teeth shift to compensate for the missing or damaged tooth, it can lead to issues with chewing, speaking, and even jaw pain.
Correcting bite alignment issues often requires more extensive dental work such as orthodontics or restorative procedures like crowns or bridges. So, if you’re avoiding treatment for that broken tooth for financial reasons, you may want to reconsider.
5. Emotional Impact
Finally, ignoring a broken tooth can have emotional consequences as well. Some people experience embarrassment from a visible gap or damaged tooth, and it can impact their self-confidence and quality of life.
In this case, seeking prompt dental care for a broken tooth not only restores your oral health but also helps you feel more comfortable smiling and interacting with others.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, it’s crucial not to underestimate the consequences of leaving a broken tooth untreated. From infections and further damage to misalignment and gum disease, the risks are too great to ignore completely.
If you find yourself dealing with a broken tooth, click here to contact Shelburne Village Dental for expert care and personalized treatment options tailored to your needs. Your oral health matters – take action today for a healthier smile tomorrow!
