Can You Die from an Infected Tooth?

When you have a toothache, it may not seem like a big deal. Even if it is highly painful, you may think it will go away on its own with no issue. However, this is not usually the case. If you don’t get dental attention regarding pain in your mouth, the issue may get worse and even become life-threatening. Tooth infections that are left without treatment can absolutely be deadly. Continue reading to learn how this can happen and how to know if your tooth may be infected.

How Do Tooth Infections Turn Deadly?

A toothache in itself isn’t harmful, but it could indicate a serious infection. If your tooth becomes infected but you don’t immediately go to the dentist to have it treated, the infection could spread to other parts of the body, including your vital organs. Once it reaches these areas, it becomes increasingly difficult to treat. You could experience any of the following outcomes:

• Sepsis: If the infectious bacteria enters the bloodstream, your immune system becomes weak and you become highly susceptible to other infections and illnesses in the body. Things you would normally be able to fight off without a problem can become highly dangerous. Signs of sepsis include a high fever, shock, and a rapid heartbeat.

• Ludwig’s Angina: When the throat and chest become affected by the infection, this can cause swelling. Ultimately, it makes it difficult to breathe, swallow, and can cause suffocation.

• Respiratory problems: If the lungs become infected, the bacteria have the perfect place to multiply. This causes difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems.

How Do You Know That Your Tooth Is Infected?

There are several different signs that could indicate that your tooth is infected. Here are some of the most common:

• Increased temperature sensitivity
• Pressure sensitivity
• Tooth pain
• Throbbing pain of the jawbone
• Fever
• Bad breath
• Foul taste in the mouth
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes
• Facial swelling

How Do Teeth Become Infected?

Your tooth can become infected once bacteria reaches the center of the tooth. This can happen as a result of an untreated cavity, crack, chip, or damaged dental restoration that exposes the innermost layers of the tooth. There are several risk factors that increase your chances of having an infected tooth:

• Poor dental hygiene: If you don’t take proper care of your smile by brushing twice and flossing once a day, you are increasing your risk of dental problems like tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other complications.

• Dry mouth: When your mouth is too dry, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria which makes tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel erosion more likely.

• High sugar diet: Foods that are high in sugar contribute to the development of cavities and eventually, infected teeth.

If you suspect that your tooth could be infected, give your emergency dentist a call. Getting treatment and advice early on can easily prevent life-threatening complications in the future.

About the Author

Dr. James M. Peery, Jr and his team provide a wide variety of services, including emergency dentistry, at their practice in Lynchburg, VA. Dr. Peery has been practicing in the community for four decades and is a former president of the Lynchburg Dental Society. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and the local Rotary club. For more information on dental emergencies or to schedule an urgent appointment, visit his website or call (434) 847-5331.