... 18 with Tooth Decay, Untreated Tooth Decay, and Untreated Tooth Decay in Three or More Teeth, 1999-2004 Decay Untreated decay About one in three children (33%) had tooth decay that had not been ... infection, and tooth loss Bacteria Abscess How can tooth decay lead to death? Infected areas Untreated tooth decay can penetrate the tooth surface, allowing bacteria to infect the interior of the tooth, ... 1: Tooth Decay and Its Possible Adverse Outcomes if Untreated Figure 2: Proportion of Children in Medicaid Aged through 18 with Tooth Decay, Untreated Tooth Decay, and Untreated Tooth Decay in...