Can a tooth infection kill you?
Tooth infections, or dental abscesses, happen when bacteria get inside the pulp of your tooth or the tissues around it. It might seem like a small problem, but if you don’t treat it, a tooth infection can lead to serious health issues — even death.
This article will explore the risks, complications, and treatments for tooth infections. Finding and treating the infection early is key to keeping it from spreading.
Read on to learn about what causes tooth infections, what the symptoms are, how they can spread, the complications that can arise, how to treat them, and how to prevent them in the first place.
What is a tooth infection and how does it happen?
A tooth infection, often called a dental abscess, is a pocket of pus that forms inside your tooth or in the tissues around it.
Tooth infections can be caused by untreated cavities, gum disease, a cracked tooth, a physical injury to the mouth, or dental work you’ve had done in the past.
Bacteria can enter your tooth through a crack in the enamel, a deep cavity, or through your gums. In response, your body sends immune cells to fight the bacteria, causing inflammation and the buildup of pus.
How to recognize the signs and symptoms of a tooth infection
An infected tooth can cause pain and swelling in the area around the tooth. You might experience:
- A constant, throbbing toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Red, swollen gums
- Pain when you touch the tooth or try to chew
If the infection spreads, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- A general feeling of being unwell
How can a tooth infection spread, and what are the risks?
A tooth infection can spread beyond the immediate area of the tooth, either through the bloodstream or to nearby tissues and structures.
Here are some of the most serious complications that can arise if a tooth infection is left untreated:
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body has an extreme response to an infection. Bacteria from the infected tooth can enter the bloodstream and trigger a chain reaction throughout the body.
- Ludwig’s angina: Ludwig’s angina is a serious infection that occurs on the floor of the mouth. The swelling caused by this infection can block your airway and make it hard to breathe.
- Endocarditis: Bacteria from a tooth infection can travel to the heart and settle in the inner lining, causing inflammation and potentially damaging the heart.
- Brain abscess: A brain abscess is a pocket of pus that forms in the brain. This can lead to neurological damage or even death.
- Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone.
The severity of a tooth infection depends on factors such as your overall health, the function of your immune system, and any underlying conditions like diabetes. Age and general frailty can also play a role.
When are tooth infections more dangerous?
Some people are more likely to experience complications from a tooth infection. Risk factors include:
- Age: Older adults are more vulnerable to severe infections.
- Compromised immune system: HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, and other conditions can weaken your body’s defenses.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can slow down healing and make infections worse.
- Malnutrition: If you don’t get enough nutrients, your immune system can weaken.
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting your teeth increases your risk of getting an infection in the first place.
How long does it take for a tooth infection to become life-threatening?
Infections can spread quickly, sometimes in a matter of days. How fast it happens depends on the type of bacteria and your own health.
That’s why it’s important to get dental treatment right away. Don’t wait until the pain gets unbearable.
Warning signs include:
- constant pain
- swelling in your face, neck, or jaw
- fever
- trouble breathing or swallowing
Treatment Options for Tooth Infections
If you think you have a tooth infection, don’t wait. See a dentist right away. Here are some treatments they may recommend:
Professional Dental Treatment
- Abscess drainage. Your dentist will drain the pus from the abscess to relieve the pressure and get rid of some of the bacteria.
- Root canal. The infected pulp is removed, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection.
- Tooth extraction. In some cases, the best option is to remove the infected tooth completely.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are often part of the treatment plan. A typical course of antibiotics is 7 to 10 days.
Antibiotics aren’t always the first choice, but they’re necessary when the infection has spread beyond the tooth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that the root cause of the infection be addressed along with antibiotics.
Home Remedies: Temporary Relief, Not a Cure
Some people find temporary relief from saltwater rinses, clove oil, or garlic.
These home remedies can make you a little more comfortable, but they don’t cure the infection. It’s still important to see a dentist as soon as you can.
How to prevent tooth infections
It’s much better to prevent a tooth infection than to try to treat one. Here are some ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy:
- Brush twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day.
- Get regular checkups. Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings.
- Limit sugar. Reduce how much sugary food and drink you consume.
- Deal with problems early. Get cavities, cracked teeth, and gum disease treated as soon as possible.
These steps will help you avoid infections and keep your smile bright.
Summary
As you’ve learned, an untreated tooth infection can lead to severe, even life-threatening, complications. That’s why early detection, prompt treatment, and good preventive care are crucial for your oral health and overall well-being.
If you notice any signs of a tooth infection, it’s essential to seek professional dental care right away. Ignoring the infection won’t make it go away, and it can put you at risk for serious health problems.
Finally, remember that proactive oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are the best ways to keep your smile healthy and prevent infections in the first place.