While maintaining oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are good practices to observe, it is still important to be aware of more serious conditions. Oral infections such as tooth decay and gum disease are quite prevalent ,and yet most people don’t take them seriously, even though these infections can belief- threatening .Cavities form when food particles remaining on the surface of the teeth are fed on by bacteria. These bacteria are most active while you sleep – which is why it is advisable to brush your teeth before you go to bed. The initial cavity is painless, allowing the bacteria time to make their way to the pulp – the innermost part of the tooth.
The ensuing infection can then spread through the bone eventually ending up in and around the jaw Oral Infections That Can Be Life Threatening and neck areas. This condition is called Ludwig’s Angina. It is a medical emergency that can be fatal. Ludwing’s Angina make seating and breathing difficult, resulting in the affected person needing a feeding tube and breathing support. The infected areas may begin to peel and rot, requiring additional procedures to improve their appearance and odour.
While cavities do not usually ending serious illness or death, they can be a greater threat to persons with weak immune systems or other underlying health problems. This is why regular health checks – and this includes dental checks – are important Patrick Bannerman-Agbesi, General Dentist (with special interest in Orthodontics).
Sam J Specialist Hospital,
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