Itaca Centro Medico & Dentistico

02/02/2026

From a small cavity to a life-threatening heart infection — the silent danger many people underestimate

This is not an exaggeration.
An untreated dental cavity can put your life at risk.

what begins as a tiny, painless spot on a tooth can progress into a severe infection with consequences far beyond the mouth.
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WHAT IS A CAVITY, REALLY?

A cavity is not just a hole in a tooth.
It is a bacterial infection.

Bacteria in the mouth feed on dietary sugars and produce acids that gradually destroy tooth enamel — the hardest structure in the human body.

Once this protective barrier breaks down, the infection spreads into the dentin and eventually reaches the dental pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth are located.

At this point, the infection is no longer harmless.
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WHEN THE INFECTION IS NO LONGER “JUST DENTAL”

When bacteria reach the pulp, a dental abscess can form — an accumulation of pus that is no longer confined to the tooth.

From there, the infection may:

• Spread to the jawbone

• Invade deep tissues of the face and neck

• Enter the bloodstream

This is where the danger becomes critical.
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SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING COMPLICATIONS

Untreated dental infections have been linked to:

• Infective endocarditis (infection of the heart valves or inner lining of the heart)

• Deep neck infections with risk of airway obstruction

• Brain involvement

• Sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response that can be fatal

These are not rare or theoretical events.
They are well documented in medical and dental literature.
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THE BIGGEST DANGER: CAVITIES ARE OFTEN SILENT

In their early stages, cavities usually cause no pain.

There may be no warning signs.
By the time intense pain appears, the infection is often already advanced.

Waiting until it “hurts” to see a dentist is one of the most common — and dangerous — mistakes.

Advanced dental infections may also cause:

• Fever
• Difficulty chewing
• Sleep disturbances
• Digestive problems
• A significant decline in quality of life
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PREVENTION IS SIMPLE — AND LIFESAVING

Preventing cavities and their complications is effective and achievable:

• Proper brushing after meals
• Daily flossing
• Reduced sugar consumption
• Regular dental check-ups, even without pain

The mouth is a gateway to the body.
A single untreated tooth can become a source of infection that affects vital organs.
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🔹 Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional dental advice.

01/02/2026

29/01/2026

A baby’s first tooth can appear earlier than expected — and prenatal stress is one factor researchers are studying.

Studies show that babies born to very stressed mothers tend to get their first teeth earlier than usual.

This may happen because stress hormones like cortisol can speed up growth processes before birth, including bone and tooth development.

Researchers say early teething could be an early sign of health effects linked to stress during pregnancy.

21/12/2025

New research from the University of South Carolina highlights a surprising connection between flossing and brain health. The study found that people who flossed at least once a week showed a significantly lower risk of ischemic stroke.

Researchers explained that poor oral hygiene can fuel inflammation and bacterial spread beyond the mouth. These inflammatory processes may affect blood vessels and heart rhythm, increasing the likelihood of cardioembolic stroke and atrial fibrillation. Notably, the protective effect of flossing remained even after accounting for regular brushing and routine dental visits.

The findings suggest flossing may be a simple yet powerful behavior to emphasize in prevention strategies. By reducing oral inflammation, flossing helps protect more than just gums. Your mouth truly serves as a gateway to overall health.

Source/Credit: University of South Carolina study on oral hygiene, stroke risk, and atrial fibrillation

21/12/2025

Mouth breathing, especially when it becomes a long-term habit, can negatively affect oral health. Breathing through the mouth reduces saliva flow, leading to dryness within the oral cavity.

Saliva plays a vital protective role. It neutralizes acids produced by bacteria, washes away food particles and plaque, and supplies minerals like calcium and phosphate that help keep enamel strong. When the mouth stays dry, these natural defenses are weakened.

As a result, bacteria multiply more easily, acids remain active longer, and enamel demineralization accelerates. This increases the likelihood of tooth decay, gum inflammation, and persistent bad breath. Addressing the causes of mouth breathing and supporting saliva flow are essential steps toward maintaining a healthier mouth.

Source/Credit: Preventive dentistry and oral physiology research

21/12/2025

Bleeding during brushing may seem minor, but healthy gums should not bleed. This is usually a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, caused by plaque and bacteria building up along the gumline and triggering inflammation.

When gingivitis is ignored, the infection can spread deeper below the gums and affect the bone that supports the teeth. At this stage, it becomes periodontitis, which can lead to gum recession, bone damage, and loose teeth. The process often happens gradually and without discomfort.

Because it can progress silently, early action is essential. Daily brushing, flossing, and regular professional cleanings can stop gum disease before it advances, protecting both your gums and long-term oral health.

Source: General dental health education and periodontal research literature.

21/12/2025

Tooth decay doesn’t happen all at once. It begins when acid-producing bacteria feed on sugary or starchy foods and attack teeth that lack enough fluoride protection. As enamel weakens, decay can move inward to dentin and pulp, where discomfort can escalate quickly.

Decay may also spread through close contact, such as sharing utensils or kissing someone with active cavities. Dentists recognize three main types: smooth surface decay that develops slowly, pit and fissure decay hidden in molar grooves, and root decay, which is more aggressive and often linked to dry mouth or poor hygiene.

Daily brushing, flossing, fluoride use, mouthwash, and routine dental visits are essential defenses. While mouth bacteria are unavoidable, consistent care can stop decay early and protect long-term oral health.

Source/Credit: American Dental Association; Mayo Clinic

21/12/2025

🚨 A Dental Infection Can Become a Medical Emergency

A dental abscess is not just a local tooth infection. It is a pocket of bacteria that can break through surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream if left untreated.

Once oral bacteria spread beyond the mouth, they can trigger a systemic inflammatory response known as sepsis. This condition disrupts normal organ function and can rapidly become life-threatening without urgent medical care.

Warning signs may include facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, or a rapidly worsening toothache. These symptoms should never be ignored.

Early dental treatment—such as drainage, root canal therapy, or extraction—can stop the infection at its source. Oral health is closely linked to overall health, and timely care can prevent serious, avoidable complications.

21/12/2025

Most people brush their teeth every day—but the tongue often gets ignored.

Overnight, the tongue accumulates bacteria, dead cells, and food debris that brushing alone may not remove. This buildup is a common cause of morning breath and reduced taste sensation.

Tongue scraping is a simple, evidence-supported oral hygiene practice that helps clear this surface coating. When done gently and regularly, it supports fresher breath, improved taste, and better overall oral cleanliness.

Rooted in traditional medicine and supported by modern dental science, tongue cleaning is not a full-body detox—but it is an effective way to reduce harmful oral buildup.

For best results, use tongue scraping alongside brushing and flossing as part of a complete daily oral care routine.

31/07/2025