Can You Die from an Infected Tooth?

Believe it or not, tooth infections are actually quite common. Fortunately, they can usually be easily treated by a dentist and then you can get on with your busy life without a problem. However, if you are showing the signs of having an infected tooth but don’t get dental attention as soon as you can, this is where you can start facing negative consequences on top of your toothache. In fact, when left untreated, tooth infections can become life-threatening. Read on to learn about how this can happen as well as some signs that you could have an infected tooth.

How Can an Infected Tooth Become Life Threatening?

An infected tooth will generally make itself known to you by a toothache, which isn’t harmful on its own. However, if you refrain from getting help from a skilled dentist, the infection could spread to other areas of the body including your vital organs. Once it spreads to certain places, it becomes much more dangerous and difficult to treat. Here are a few possible outcomes of leaving an infected tooth untreated:

• Respiratory problems: If the infection in your mouth spreads to your lungs, bacteria will have the perfect environment to multiply. This leads to difficulty breathing and other respiratory problems.

• Sepsis: When infectious bacteria from your mouth enters the bloodstream, your immune system weakens. This makes you highly susceptible to other infections and illnesses in the body that you would normally be able to fight off without a problem. Signs of this condition include a high fever, rapid heartbeat, and shock.

• Ludwig’s Angina: You could experience swelling in the throat and chest if the area becomes affected by the infection. This makes it much more difficult to swallow, breathe, and you can even suffocate.

What Causes Tooth Infections?

Tooth infections happen when bacteria reach the center of the tooth. This occurs as a result of an untreated cavity, crack, chip, or damaged dental restoration that exposes the vulnerable layers of the tooth. Here are a few risk factors:

• Poor oral hygiene: If you aren’t brushing and flossing as often as you should be, you’re putting yourself at risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other complications in the mouth.

• High-sugar diet: If there is a lot of sugar in your diet, this can contribute to bacterial growth, tooth decay, and infected teeth.

• Dry mouth: When you don’t produce enough saliva, the mouth becomes the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. This means more dental issues in the future.

What Are the Symptoms of an Infected Tooth?

Many different signs indicate that your tooth could be infected. Here are the most common:

• Tooth pain
• Throbbing jaw pain
• Temperature sensitivity
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bad breath
• Pressure sensitivity
• Foul taste
• Facial swelling

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, such as a tooth infection, it is critical that you see your dentist as soon as you can. Having an infected tooth treated early on could save your life.

About the Author

Dr. Sowmya Kumar provides many different services, including emergency dentistry, at Premier Walk-in Dental in Rockledge, FL. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and regularly participates in advanced training courses. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, Dr. Kumar would be happy to help – no appointment necessary. For more information, visit her website or call (321) 631-4334.