Tooth decay, or dental caries, begins as the breakdown of the tooth’s hard outer layers, enamel and dentin, caused by acid-producing bacteria. This process creates a cavity that initially may cause no symptoms. Once a cavity forms, the bacterial infection inevitably progresses deeper into the tooth’s structure, moving toward the living tissues inside. This article details the consequences that occur when this bacterial invasion continues without professional intervention.
Progression from Cavity to Pulp Infection
Once the enamel is breached, decay accelerates rapidly through the softer dentin underneath. Dentin is a porous layer that leads directly to the pulp chamber, the tooth’s nerve center. At this stage, individuals often experience increased sensitivity, particularly to hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks, as the infection nears the nerve tissue.
When bacteria breach the dentin and reach the pulp, they cause infection and inflammation known as pulpitis. Because the pulp chamber is enclosed by rigid tooth structure, swelling leads to pressure that irritates the nerves and causes constant, severe pain. If untreated, this pressure eventually cuts off the blood supply, resulting in nerve death, or pulp necrosis. Although the severe pain often temporarily disappears after the nerve dies, the dead tissue and bacteria remain, allowing the infection to spread down the root canals and into the surrounding bone.
Formation of Dental Abscess and Jawbone Deterioration
Once the infection exits the tooth root, the body’s immune system forms a periapical abscess, a localized pocket of pus at the root tip. This abscess signifies that the infection has spread into the jawbone. The accumulated pus creates intense pressure in the bone, causing swelling in the gums, face, or jaw.
To relieve this pressure, the infection may bore a channel through the bone and gum tissue, called a fistula or “gum boil,” allowing pus to drain into the mouth. While drainage temporarily relieves the pain, the underlying infection remains, establishing a state of chronic inflammation. Over time, the chronic presence of bacteria and the body’s inflammatory response can trigger osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone itself. This process destroys the jawbone tissue supporting the tooth, leading to bone loss and potentially resulting in the tooth becoming loose or fracturing entirely.
Systemic Health Risks and Emergency Intervention
An uncontrolled dental infection is not confined to the mouth; the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and spread to distant parts of the body, leading to life-threatening systemic conditions. One complication is cellulitis, a rapidly spreading bacterial infection causing dangerous, widespread swelling in the face and neck. This severe facial swelling can compress the throat and block the airway, requiring immediate medical intervention to prevent suffocation.
A rare but deadly complication is Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis, where bacteria travel from the dental site to the cavernous sinuses at the base of the brain. This condition involves the formation of a septic blood clot, which can cause severe headaches and eye symptoms like bulging or vision loss. Furthermore, if the infection overwhelms the body’s defenses, it can lead to sepsis, or blood poisoning. Sepsis is a dysregulated immune response that attacks the body’s own organs and tissues, requiring intensive care and often leading to organ failure and death. Chronic oral infection also introduces bacteria into the bloodstream, which is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, including infective endocarditis.