Untreated Cavities

• Untreated cavities
  
  A tooth infection is the result of the breakdown of a dead tooth and nerves. As the tooth and the decaying substance break down and liquefy, bacterial growth develops. It is this bacterial growth that irritates the surrounding bone structure. One way that bacteria can enter and destroy a tooth is through untreated cavities. Bacteria gets into a tooth through decayed enamel and continues to eat away at the tooth until it reaches and destroys the nerve. Bacteria does not stop there, however, as it continues to spread itself out, hiding in the root canals and eventually entering the bloodstream.
  Cavities can exist for a long time before pain sets in and makes its presence known. It is important to see your dentist every six months for regular check ups and routine cleaning. If a cavity is beginning your dentist is likely to find it and take care of it, thus reducing the risk of dental infections.
  
  

Gum Disease

• Smoker's teeth with gingivitis
  
  Gum disease, or gingivitis, is another way for bacteria to invade a tooth. Gum disease is caused by many factors; the main one is plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that is constantly produced by acid and bacteria in the mouth, and contains a host of disease-producing bacteria that eat away at the teeth. As plaque forms, it adheres to the teeth along the gum line. Plaque can separate the teeth from the gums, leaving them exposed near the roots and allowing bacteria to get into the teeth and the roots. Plaque is not the only cause of gum disease, however. Other factors have been shown to lead to greater risk of gum disease. Menopause and pregnancy contribute to the development of gingivitis. As a woman's body goes through hormonal changes, these changes make body tissues like the gums more sensitive to bacterial invaders. Smoking is another known contributor to gum disease, along with stress--both of which deplete the body of necessary vitamins and minerals to help ward off bacteria and disease.
  
  Take the extra time every day to floss your teeth and rinse with mouthwash. Both of these steps go a long way in preventing the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gum line.
  
  

Tooth Trauma

• Chipped tooth
  
  A tooth infection can even begin when healthy teeth become damaged by trauma. When a tooth is badly jarred or the enamel is cracked by an outside force, it sets the stage for bacterial infection. An injury to the tooth or the bone surrounding the tooth can cause damage to the tooth nerve, which leads to death of that nerve. As the nerve dies and the dead tissues liquefy, pus is formed. Pus is a thick, yellowish substance that contains bacteria, blood cells and the dead tissue. This causes tooth infections and dental abscesses.
  
  Tooth enamel can crack if its is hit or when you bite on something that hits the enamel just right. A crack in the enamel of the tooth allows bacteria from food and other sources to enter the tooth and begin eating away at it, forming cavities and working its way to the root. Daily care of the teeth, along with a healthy diet, helps keep the enamel and tooth structure strong and more resistant to trauma.