Tooth infections (also called dental abscesses) are a surprisingly common problem. While a dentist can often easily treat them, ignoring a tooth infection can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
So, can you die from infection in tooth? This article will walk you through the potential dangers of an untreated tooth infection, explain what complications can arise, and emphasize how important it is to see a dentist right away.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, is a pocket of pus that forms in or around your tooth due to a bacterial infection. It’s not something to ignore, and here’s why.
Bacteria can get inside your tooth through a cavity, a crack, or some other kind of injury.
There are two main types of tooth abscesses:
- Periapical abscess. This type of abscess forms at the tip of the root of your tooth.
- Periodontal abscess. This type affects your gums, right next to a tooth root.
Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Here are some common signs:
- A throbbing toothache that won’t go away
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Pain when you chew
- Swelling in your gums or face
- Red, inflamed gums
- Bad breath or a nasty taste in your mouth
Get medical help right away if you experience:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Severe swelling in your face
Sometimes, the abscess may rupture. If this happens, you might feel sudden relief, followed by a rush of foul-tasting fluid in your mouth.
How can a tooth infection become life-threatening?
While it’s rare in the age of antibiotics, a tooth infection can become life-threatening, especially if left untreated for too long.
The spread of infection
An infection that starts in your tooth can spread in a couple of different ways:
- Localized spread. The infection can move to the tissues surrounding the tooth, including your jawbone (osteomyelitis).
- Systemic spread. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel to distant organs, causing serious problems.
Potential life-threatening complications
Here are some of the complications that can arise if a tooth infection spreads:
- Sepsis. This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when your body’s response to an infection spirals out of control, leading to organ damage and possibly death.
- Ludwig’s angina. This is a serious infection at the floor of your mouth that can block your airway, making it hard to breathe or swallow.
- Endocarditis. Bacteria from your mouth can travel to your heart and inflame the inner lining of your heart (endocarditis).
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis. This is a rare condition in which a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinus, a large vein at the base of your brain.
- Brain abscess. An infection can spread to your brain and form an abscess.
- Mediastinitis. An infection can spread into your chest cavity (mediastinum), causing mediastinitis.
- Necrotizing fasciitis. This is a fast-moving flesh-eating bacterial infection.
Who is most at risk?
Although anyone can develop a dangerous infection from a tooth, some people are more vulnerable than others. You may have a higher risk if you:
- Have a compromised immune system due to HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, or cancer treatment
- Have poorly controlled diabetes
- Are an older adult
- Have poor oral hygiene habits
Talk to your doctor or dentist if you have any concerns about your risk.
Treatment options for tooth infections
If you think you have a tooth infection, here are some of the treatments your dentist may recommend:
Professional dental treatment
- Draining the abscess. Your dentist will cut into the abscess to drain the pus.
- Root canal therapy. The infected pulp will be removed, and the tooth will be sealed.
- Tooth extraction. If the infected tooth can’t be saved, your dentist will remove it.
Medications
- Antibiotics. You may be prescribed antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
- Pain relievers. Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers can help manage the pain.
It’s important to remember that antibiotics are not always the first choice, and treating the underlying cause of the infection is crucial.
How to prevent tooth infections
You can prevent most tooth infections with good oral hygiene.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day to get rid of plaque and food stuck between your teeth.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Get regular dental checkups to catch and treat problems early.
- Eat a healthy diet with less sugar.
- If you have dry mouth, drink plenty of water and ask your dentist about saliva substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you survive with a tooth infection?
There’s no set timeline, but a tooth infection is a serious health concern that needs immediate treatment. The problem is that the infection can spread to other parts of your body and cause life-threatening complications. Don’t wait to see a dentist or doctor. The sooner you get treatment, the better.
How long will a tooth hurt before the nerve dies?
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed timeframe. Sometimes the nerve dies quickly, while other times it can take weeks or even months. Even if the pain subsides, it doesn’t mean the infection is gone. A dead nerve simply means you can’t feel the infection as much, but it can still spread.
How do I know if my tooth infection is life-threatening?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following along with a toothache: high fever, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe swelling in your face or neck, confusion, or rapid heart rate. These are signs the infection has spread beyond the tooth and requires emergency care.
How do you know if a tooth infection has spread to your heart?
A tooth infection spreading to the heart is rare, but extremely serious. Symptoms can include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heart palpitations. If you have a tooth infection and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. This condition, called endocarditis, needs prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Key Takeaways
It’s easy to put off seeing a dentist, but an untreated tooth infection can lead to serious and even life-threatening health problems.
If you want to avoid severe outcomes, early detection, prompt treatment, and good oral hygiene are key. So, if you notice any signs of a tooth infection, contact your dentist right away.
Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the simplest ways to protect your overall health and well-being.