What is a common complication of untreated dental caries?

Untreated dental caries, also known as cavities, can lead to a variety of complications, with tooth loss being one of the most significant outcomes. When dental caries progress, they can invade deeper tooth structures, eventually reaching the pulp and causing infection. If the decay is not addressed, it can weaken the tooth structure, leading to its fracture or necessitating extraction.

Tooth loss can have cascading effects on an individual's oral and overall health, including difficulties in eating and speaking, impacting nutrition and quality of life. While malnutrition and elevated blood pressure may also have links to dental health issues, they are not direct complications of untreated caries in the way that tooth loss is. Therefore, highlighting tooth loss specifically emphasizes the immediate and tangible consequence of ignoring dental caries.