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Untreated dental caries can lead to a variety of complications, one of the most significant being an increased risk of tooth abscess. As dental caries progresses, it can destroy the tooth structure and reach the pulp or nerve, resulting in infection. This infection can cause pus to accumulate, leading to a painful abscess. An abscess occurs when the body's immune response tries to fight off the infection, resulting in a localized collection of pus at the root of the tooth. If left untreated, this can lead to more severe complications, including the spread of infection to surrounding tissues or systemic issues.

In contrast, options that suggest improved dental health, enhanced enamel strength, or better alignment of teeth are inaccurate in the context of untreated caries. Dental caries typically leads to deterioration in oral health and does not contribute positively to tooth structure or alignment. Thus, recognizing the impact of untreated caries on dental health, particularly in the development of abscesses, is critical in promoting early intervention and treatment for dental caries.