I have severely decaying teeth. One has rotten to the point its chipped itself down. The others are black and blueish with plaque. I am going to get surgery this coming week. My teeth have been getting worse for 2 years now. 3 years without a dentist. Have I put myself at risk for serious health conditions elsewhere in my body due to my negligence?
Hello there, Thanks for writing your query, Multiple decayed teeth, plaque and calculus deposits on the teeth indicates COMPROMISED oral health. It is caused due poor oral hygiene, improper brushing and flossing that leads to accumulation of bacterial plaque and calculus deep in the gum pockets and root surfaces of the teeth.  This leads to a condition called Gingivitis which presents with symptoms of redness, bleeding gums, swelling, pain, recession and sensitivity. Poor oral health definitely affects general health of the patient so better get the treatment done as soon as possible. You may need to be treated by thorough professional deep scaling of gums and root planing of the teeth to remove all the irritants, this will help in resolving the symptoms followed by a course of antibiotic and analgesics.  I would suggest you to go for symptomatic treatment at home like gargling with lukewarm saline water or antiseptic mouthwash like chlorhexidine or Betadine.  Decayed teeth can be treated by restorations. It is advisable for you to get and OPG radiograph done which will help in diagnosis and accordingly treatment can be planned. I hope this helps, take care.