Originally Posted by eribrav

Untreated severe tooth decay can cause lots of problems.

The risk of developing systemic infections is one. Bacteria can escape the infected tissue and cause infections elsewhere, in dangerous places like the valves of the heart. That's life threatening.

Chronic pain can result from any untreated pain.

Untreated decay often causes changes in a persons diet. They may stop eating meat, and difficult to chew grains. That can cause a general decline in health, as well as anemia and other problems from malnutrition.

There is also a developing linkage between chronic inflammation from tooth decay and heart attacks. The inflammatory process seems to be linked to accelerated blockage of arteries.

So why do you ask?