Calculus lead to periodontal disease which produces decay at the necks of the teeth. Almost all of the cavities at Maisabel are of this type. Bacteria responsible for decay just love plaque. These thriving colonies of decay were located adjacent chipped tooth surfaces that exposed the pulp. It is a quick step for the bacteria to get into the cavity in the center of the tooth and begin to erode the bone.
Subsequently teeth loosen in their sockets and fall out.
Contemporary burials from Barbados exhibit even worse dental conditions than Maisabel. Mandibles had resorbed so badly that there was no evidence of sockets. Severe oral infection can become systemic infecting the whole body through the bloodstream. Death is rapid if the bacteria reach the heart. Commonly, bone in other parts of the body, specifically a special type of bone called periosteal reactive bone that is found on the long bones is attacked.