The Potential Risk of Cavities From Black Mold

Mold and mildew, while necessary for the environment, can be a huge problem for people when present in our homes and in our bodies. Because mold can grow on almost any surface, mold can present a significant issue for families maintaining their health. For those conscientious of their dental health, brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits are often the most reliable ways to prevent cavities, but when pathogens such as black mold enter the home, they can greatly affect your teeth. 

How Does Black Mold Cause Cavities

Government websites such as FEMA go into great detail about mold in how it spreads and infects people in their homes, and black mold in its earliest forms can develop within 24-48 hours after water exposure. When left untreated, black mold can cause adverse side effects that progressively get worse from damp, wet conditions, especially if drying cannot occur. One of the most frequently reported symptoms after water damage is respiratory problems, among other conditions such as: 

• Sinus and nasal congestion or dry, hacking cough 
• Eye irritation – burning, watery, redness 
• Nervous system – headaches, memory loss, mood changes 
• Nose or throat irritation – sneezing fits, bloody noses 
• Aches and pains 
• Skin irritations – rashes or hives 

Bacterial infections, respiratory diseases, and dental cavities all correlate because any present infection in the lungs can spread from the lungs to the mouth. Black mold spreads by releasing spores or mycotoxins due to how black mold feeds on organic material and the exposure of moisture. These mycotoxins can irritate the mucus membranes throughout the nasal passages, causing excess mucus and congestion to develop. This development will inadvertently cause dry mouth due to constant mouth breathing. Dry mouth reduces the lack of saliva, and because saliva is an essential component of oral health, this condition reduces the mouth’s defense against bacteria development and thus produces cavities as a result. 

What Can You Do To Prevent Black Mold 

• If you believe that you may have black mold in your home, you should get professional help to remove the mold. Because of how quickly black mold can spread, any areas of moisture throughout the home can quickly spread into wet insulation, furniture, ceilings, and moist wood framework. Contact a professional mold remediator and remove you and your family from mycotoxin exposure. 
• Visit Your ENT doctor and your dentist. Visiting a nose, ear, and throat specialist can help assess your sinuses and other health conditions that you may have, while your dentist can provide an assessment of your teeth and gums and help treat any dental-related issues you may have, including cavities. 
• Keep up home and life maintenance. Keeping up with oral health habits, such as brushing and flossing every day. Paying attention to your environment can help keep mold at bay and help avoid its regrowth throughout your home. Also, if any home items such as cups or furniture have any signs of mold, throw them away to avoid the spread. 

For your health, we highly recommend visiting your primary care doctor or an ENT to diagnose any problems you may have with your system. If you’ve begun noticing cavities developing quicker than normal and need help, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.