How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You?

Are you currently suffering from a toothache? You must not ignore the discomfort. Although it may sound harmless at first, this tooth infection is actually one of the reasons why a number of body parts may not function well. Tooth infection occurs when certain bacteria attack the very soft part of the teeth, causing them to break. Proper and immediate care is essential for recovery.

However, if left untreated, tooth infections could deteriorate to the point of immunity failure. While it is rare for a tooth infection to cause death, it can lead to serious complications.

In this blog, we will discuss the phenomenon of a dental infection leading to death, how long it could take, and whether the emergency room is the best option for you.

What Is A Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria enter into the soft center of your tooth. But you may wonder how it can happen? After invading soft tissues bacteria cause swelling, inflammation and severe pain that you can not ignore.

But it is not only about one tooth. If you left this infection untreated, it could spread to other tissues and might get more serious. Let’s just picture a situation where there is a small hole in a pipe and nobody bothers to fix it, it is for sure that it will result in a lot of damage and may even bring flooding into your house. The same thing happens if you leave your tooth infection untreated. On the other hand with early diagnosis and properly maintained toothcare the problem is solved before it worsens. Do not wait because your tooth and overall health depends on it.

Can A Tooth Infection Kill You?

An infection in the tooth can be deadly if left untreated. The tooth infection is an alarm to the people and they should pay attention to it. This dental problem can appear as a simple infection in the tooth but might spread and cause very unfavorable consequences such as airways and sepsis. In addition, it may spread to the brain and bloodstream or other vital parts of the body. Based on a research finding printed in the Journal of Endodontics a dental infection is linked with very severe conditions and highlights the fact that early handling is the best.

An antibiotic alone can not stop your infection without a proper treatment. Before the advancements in dentistry tooth infections were a common cause of death and till 1908 10 to 40 percent tooth infection led to death. It is shocking because in this age of modern dentistry death from tooth infection is very rare.

Now that we have many advancements in dental knowledge and treatments it is not common that someone dies from a tooth infection.

Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

If you have a tooth infection you will experience that sort of pain, which can start and continue even if you are not eating. Usually this pain radiates to your jawbone, ear and neck. Here are some other symptoms that you may notice when you have a tooth infection:

Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Bad breath
Bitter taste in your mouth
Swelling or redness of the gums
Loosening of the affected tooth
Open or draining sore on the gums

Moreover, you may experience some general symptoms such as:

Fever
General discomfort or ill feeling
Swollen lymph nodes

How Long Until a Tooth Infection Becomes Dangerous?

The time a tooth infection takes to cause death can vary depending on the type of infection. An infection by tooth decay may take months to develop. It is because the decay process needs a long time to reach and damage the soft center path of a tooth. On the other hand an injury to a tooth allows bacteria to enter the tooth more quickly. Therefore, the chances of a serious tooth infection are more after a tooth injury.

Having an infection will most likely mean you will have toothache or swelling. This phase can last for weeks or even months if you neglect to get dental care as quickly as possible. The more time it remains untreated, the more the possibility of the infection reaching other body areas will increase.

Once this infection reaches the brain, neck, or heart and if the medical treatment is not taken then it can cause death quickly. However, most people seek dental treatment in time and stop the infection before it worses.

Tips To Prevent Tooth Infection

Tooth infection could be avoided by ensuring that your teeth remain strong and healthy so that bacteria do not find any weak points. Here are some tips that can help in keeping your teeth strong, children’s dentist, healthy and infection free:

1. Develop an Oral Hygiene Routine

It is essential to brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent your teeth from decay or infection. Experts recommend brushing twice and flossing once daily. Ironically, over brushing can make your teeth weak and more susceptible to infection. So brush twice a day and raise your mouth with warm water or mouthwash.

2. Visit Your Dentist

The majority of individuals suppose that visiting a dentist is important only when something is wrong with their teeth. In reality, it is most desirable to visit the doctor every half a year. Dentists will always notice changes and some symptoms that one cannot identify in a mirror meet with a dentist as frequently as indicated. They can tell if any trouble is looming before you really notice it. When a problem, no matter how big or small, is addressed more speedily, there are chances for it to cause a much more considerable health problem. A dental hygienist will eliminate plaque and harmful bacteria from a dental structure by deep cleaning.

3. Use Fluoridated Drinking Water

Fluoride is a characteristic to enhance the strength of your teeth enamel and render it very difficult for tartar and plaque to set up. Stuff like using toothpaste that includes fluoride and drinking fluoridated water can help make your teeth thicker. Also, bottled fluoridated water can be procured; though care should be taken not to consume a harmful amount.

4. Go Easy On Sweets

Sugar offers bacteria food. When you consume a large amount of sweet or sugary foods, it will stay on your teeth and attract more bacteria. These bacteria weaken your teeth, which, in the end, leads to tooth decay or bacterial tooth infection.

5. Replace Your Toothbrush

Your tooth brush and toothbrush holders can be a house for bacteria. Failure to regularly clean the brush holder will lead to the bacteria moving from your brush to your toothbrush and causing its bristles to be infected.

Note that cleaning your toothbrush is a must, at least every two weeks, and replacing it at least every three months if you don’t have a good one. Another solution is to do away with the worn or old frayed brush when you see the bristles are worn out.

When Should You Go To The Hospital For A Tooth Infection?

An infected tooth can not be healed alone and demands proper treatment. You are advised to go to the dentist if you have tooth pain, swollenness or redness. Some signs also imply the necessity of seeking urgent care. When you have such symptoms as the inability to open your mouth properly, fever, rapid heartbeat, swallowing problems, or breathing issues that means it’s very important to go to the hospital.

An infection is like a little flame that can be handled initially but if it gets out of control it becomes a menace. It is not a thing that you should leave to worsen. So, if you feel any discomfort or even a small sign it is advisable to get help immediately.

Final Words – Tooth Infection Kills You?

If left untreated, a tooth infection that is typically underestimated might cause serious health issues. When you observe symptoms such as fever, oedema, or a chronic toothache, you must take immediate action. Risks of major complications or death can be successfully reduced with appropriate dental care, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment.

Since prevention is always preferable to treatment, the best strategies to safeguard your health are to practise good oral hygiene, see your dentist on a regular basis, and take quick care of any dental problems. Your smile and general health depend on you not ignoring a dental infection.