Tooth infections can be a serious health hazard and, if left untreated, can even lead to death. While tooth decay or trauma are the most common causes of tooth infection, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms associated with tooth infection as well as how to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Additionally, it’s also important to know what happens when a tooth infection spreads systemically throughout your body and how long it takes for a tooth infection to kill you if medical attention isn’t sought after quickly enough. In this blog post we will discuss all of these topics so that you can act quickly when dental problems arise.
1. What is a tooth infection and why can it be dangerous?
A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, is an accumulation of pus that forms around the tooth due to bacteria. It can be caused by tooth decay or trauma resulting in a cracked tooth. Left untreated, it can cause serious health complications and even death in extreme cases. The infection can spread throughout the body and into the systemic bloodstream leading to sepsis, which is life-threatening. In addition, if left unchecked it can spread through the jawbone and facial tissues causing swelling that could potentially cut off your airway. Therefore, it’s important to seek immediate dental attention for any suspected tooth problems and infections before they become worse.
2. How do tooth infections spread to other parts of the body?
Bacteria can spread through a tooth, into the nerve of the tooth and out through the jawbone. This bacteria accumulates around the tooth and causes an accumulation of pus, which is considered a localized infection. This localized infection can spread to fascial tissue spaces around the area. These fascial spaces are separated or segmented by the tissues, such as muscles and fascia, in the area. These spaces can be around important structures such as the airway or important blood vessels that run through the head and neck. Tooth infections can spread to these spaces or even into the systemic bloodstream. If it spreads systemically, it can lead to sepsis which can be fatal, but the spread to fascial spaces surrounding the airway can lead to more immediate danger.
3. Symptoms of tooth infections that should not be ignored
Tooth infections usually start from something small, such as a cavity or crack in the tooth. These small findings can be treated with a crown or a simple filling. The problem arises when these small findings are left untreated because it may not hurt at the time. Most dentists are looking for these small findings in order to prevent the painful events that can arise when the cavity or crack becomes bigger.
Some of the key symptoms that should not be ignored include:
-> Tooth pain or sensitivity to cold or hot
-> Facial swelling or tenderness
-> Foul taste in the mouth
-> Fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck area
-> Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms associated with tooth infection, you should seek immediate medical attention before it spreads further.
4. Treatment options for tooth infections
Fortunately, tooth infections are treatable with a variety of methods depending on the severity of the infection. Depending on the level of tooth decay or trauma that led to the tooth infection, treatment may involve antibiotics, root canal therapy, extraction or even incision and drainage of the infection in a dental office or, in severe cases, in the operating room. To determine which method is best for treating your tooth infection, it's important to consult with your dentist who will provide an individualized plan based on your needs. If severe symptoms have set in, go straight to the emergency room of a hospital.
5. Tips on how to prevent tooth infections from occurring in the first place
The best way to prevent tooth infections and the potential complications associated with them is through good oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist, and treating dental issues before they become worse. Good oral hygiene involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time with toothpaste that contains fluoride or nano-hydroxyapatite and flossing daily. Additionally, it’s important to visit the dentist every six months for a professional cleaning as well as an exam from the dentist in order to identify any small problems before they become more serious. If any tooth decay or trauma is spotted during the visit, it’s important to have these treated right away in order to prevent an infection from forming. By following these tips you can help keep your teeth healthy and reduce your risk of tooth infections.
6. The time frame it takes for a tooth infection to kill you if left untreated
The time it takes for an infection to kill you depends on the severity of the tooth decay or trauma that caused it and how quickly medical attention is sought after symptoms appear. In some cases, death can occur in just days due to the spread of bacteria into spaces in the face and neck, which can lead to airway obstruction. In other cases, systemic spread of bacteria may cause sepsis, leading to death within weeks or months without prompt treatment. Therefore, it is important to seek immediate medical attention if you have any signs or symptoms associated with tooth infections such as tooth pain or facial swelling.
7. What happens when a tooth infection spreads systemically throughout your body?
When a tooth infection is left untreated, bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and cause sepsis. This is known as systemic spread of bacteria, and it can be a very serious health hazard. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection is out of control. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, confusion, and dizziness. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have a tooth infection it is important to seek immediate medical attention in order to prevent further complications and, ultimately, death. By taking prompt action you can reduce your risk for more serious and potentially deadly tooth infections.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.