An abscessed tooth is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. While it might seem like a localized issue in your mouth, tooth infections can spread and cause significant health problems.
So, can an abscessed tooth kill you? While it’s not always fatal, an untreated abscessed tooth can lead to life-threatening complications. That’s why it’s so important to get dental care as soon as possible if you suspect you have an infection.
Understanding Tooth Infections and Abscesses
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in your tooth or gums because of a bacterial infection. There are a couple of different kinds of dental abscesses:
- Periapical abscess: This kind of abscess develops at the tip of the tooth root and is often caused by untreated cavities, injuries to the mouth, or previous dental work that has broken down.
- Periodontal abscess: This kind of abscess forms in the gums next to the tooth root, often because food particles and bacteria are trapped there.
In most cases, tooth decay is the main reason bacteria are able to enter the pulp of your tooth. However, trauma to a tooth can also create an entry point for bacteria. Poor oral hygiene is also a major contributing factor, because it allows bacteria to build up and cause infection.
Signs and Symptoms of an Abscessed Tooth
An abscessed tooth often causes obvious symptoms, but sometimes, people ignore them or try to tough it out. Here’s what to look for:
- A constant, throbbing toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Pain when you chew or bite down
- Swelling in your gums, face, or neck
- Redness and tenderness around the affected tooth
- Fever
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
How a tooth abscess can become life-threatening: potential complications
An untreated infection can spread from the tooth to nearby tissues. Eventually, bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause a systemic infection.
Here are some of the serious complications that can arise from a tooth abscess:
- Sepsis: This life-threatening condition is your body’s overblown immune response to a widespread infection.
- Ludwig’s angina: This is a severe infection at the floor of your mouth. It can block your airway, making it hard to breathe.
- Endocarditis: This is an infection of the inner lining of your heart. Oral bacteria can travel through your bloodstream and settle in your heart.
- Brain abscess: This is a pocket of pus that develops in the brain and can cause neurological damage.
- Osteomyelitis: This is an infection in the bone, and it can affect your jawbone.
- Mediastinitis: This is an inflammation of the mediastinum, which is the space between your lungs.
Who’s most at risk of complications?
While rare, the following risk factors can increase the chance of severe complications from a tooth abscess:
- Compromised Immune System: Conditions like HIV/AIDS or autoimmune disorders.
- Diabetes: Especially if not managed properly, diabetes can impair wound healing and raise the risk of infection.
- Older Age: Older adults may have less robust immune systems.
- Malnutrition: A lack of proper nutrition can weaken your body’s defenses.
Treatment options and the importance of early intervention
The main goals of treating a tooth abscess are to get rid of the infection and stop it from spreading, and also to take care of whatever caused the abscess in the first place.
Here are some ways a dentist might treat an abscessed tooth:
- Drainage. The dentist will cut into the abscess to allow the pus to drain out, which should also relieve some of the pain.
- Root canal. This involves removing the infected pulp and sealing the tooth to protect it from further infection.
- Extraction. If the tooth is too far gone, the dentist may need to pull it.
- Antibiotics. Sometimes, antibiotics are needed to knock out the bacterial infection, but they’re not always the first choice.
Getting treatment early is really important because it can keep the infection from spreading to other parts of your body and cut down on your risk of having serious health problems.
Preventing Abscessed Teeth
The best way to avoid an abscessed tooth is to practice good dental hygiene. Here are a few tips:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day to get rid of plaque and food.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Cut back on sugary snacks and drinks.
- Get a new toothbrush every three to four months.
- See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a tooth hurt before the nerve dies?
It’s tricky to say exactly how long a tooth will hurt before the nerve dies. The timeline varies depending on the infection’s severity and your overall health. Some people experience nerve death in a matter of days, while others might have pain for weeks or even months. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, it’s crucial to see a dentist ASAP.
How do I know if my tooth abscess is life threatening?
A tooth abscess becomes life-threatening when the infection spreads beyond the tooth and jaw. Signs of a serious infection include high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe swelling in your face or neck, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
How long can a tooth abscess go untreated?
A tooth abscess should never go untreated. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of the infection spreading. Even if the pain subsides, the infection is still present and can cause serious complications. Seek dental care as soon as you suspect an abscess.
How do I know if my tooth infection has spread to my heart?
A tooth infection spreading to the heart is rare but extremely serious. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, and heart palpitations. If you suspect a tooth infection has spread to your heart, seek immediate emergency medical attention. This is a life-threatening situation.
Key Takeaways
If left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to serious health problems, including sepsis and even death. That’s why it’s vital to seek prompt dental care at the first sign of a tooth infection.
Of course, the best defense against tooth abscesses is prevention. By practicing good oral hygiene – brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups – you can keep harmful bacteria at bay.
Don’t underestimate the seriousness of a tooth infection. It could affect your overall health and even your life.