Does tooth decay or infection cause other problems within the body?

The bacterial infection can spread through the tissue spaces and blood vessels to other parts of the face and body.





Tooth decay can spread and be extremely painful. It may lead to





* Destruction of teeth.


* Difficulty chewing, which can result in undernutrition and, in turn, to impaired physical development.


* Speech problems.


* Inability to concentrate, difficulty with learning, absence from child development programs (such as Head Start) and school, difficulty completing schoolwork, and impaired performance in school.


* Psychological problems such as low self-esteem and poor social interaction.


* Severe infections that can even result in death on rare occasions.

Does tooth decay or infection cause other problems within the body?
It certainly weakens your jaw bone and other teeth can be affected at a later stage.
Reply:Sure it does. Tooth infections can spread to other areas. Also, there has been alot in the news about the possible links for gum disease %26amp; heart problems.
Reply:C-reactive protein is a substance found in the bloodstream that is an indicator of inflammation. It indicates that an individual may be at risk for heart disease or heart attacks.





According to the New England Journal of Medicine, C-reactive protein is made in the liver and in the walls of coronary arteries, and possibly elsewhere in the body. Its levels, which can be measured with a simple blood test, often rise and remain high in patients who have chronic inflammation from conditions like periodontal disease. Patients with chronic inflammation have an increased risk of heart disease.





Research has shown a correlation between high C-reactive protein levels in individuals with periodontal disease and those who have heart disease.