An untreated tooth infection might seem like a small issue, but it can become a bigger problem and even spread to other body parts. A tooth infection means bacteria have entered the soft tissue and are causing harm. However, a major concern is “Can a tooth infection kill you?” Let’s find out:
The Hidden Dangers of a Tooth Infection
Tooth infections can cause serious problems if not treated. Here are some of the risks:
- Spread of Infection: A tooth infection can move to other areas, like the sinuses, jawbone, or even vital organs like the heart. This may lead to severe conditions such as endocarditis, which affects the lining of the heart.
- Sepsis: If a dental abscess is left untreated, it can result in sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection harms its own tissues and organs.
- Higher Risk of Heart Disease: Untreated tooth infections can increase the chance of heart disease, as bacteria can enter the bloodstream and impact the heart.
- Health Complications: Poor oral health, including untreated infections, is linked to other health problems like pneumonia, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Gum and Bone Damage: Infections can lead to severe gum disease and bone loss, causing long-term damage that may not be immediately obvious.
How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You?
A tooth infection can become life-threatening if left untreated, but it usually takes weeks or months for it to spread and become serious. At first, the infection may cause a painful dental abscess with swelling. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the body or the bloodstream, leading to severe complications like sepsis.
Sepsis can be fatal within days to weeks, especially in people with weakened immune systems or other health problems. Fortunately, with modern dental care and antibiotics, deaths from tooth infections are very rare.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body
When a tooth infection spreads to the body, it can cause symptoms that show the infection has moved beyond the tooth. Here’s what to watch for:
- Feeling Unwell: You might feel constantly tired and unwell. A fever with chills and sweating is also common.
- Swelling and Pain: Swelling in the face, cheeks, or neck can make breathing or swallowing difficult. Severe tooth pain may spread to your jaw, ear, or neck.
- Breathing and Digestive Problems: Swelling from the infection may make swallowing hard. Some people may also experience nausea or vomiting as the infection spreads.
- Heart and Nerve Symptoms: The infection can cause a faster heartbeat or higher blood pressure. Headaches and dizziness may occur if nearby tissues are affected.
- Other Signs: Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth often accompanies a tooth abscess. Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck can also indicate the infection. In very severe cases, confusion or unconsciousness may suggest life-threatening sepsis.
Ways to Treat the Tooth Infection
If you have a serious tooth infection, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection quickly. Depending on how severe it is, the antibiotics may be taken as pills or given through an IV to get them into your bloodstream faster.
While antibiotics help fight the infection, the dentist will also need to address the cause of the problem, usually tooth decay. If the tooth can be saved, a root canal may be recommended. This procedure removes the infected and damaged parts of the tooth, including the soft tissue inside.
After that, the tooth is sealed and restored, often with a crown, to protect it. If the tooth can’t be saved, the dentist may suggest removing it. Tooth extraction is usually a last resort but might be necessary to stop the infection from spreading to other areas of the body.
Wrapping Up
The answer to the question “Can a tooth infection kill you?” is fortunately no. However, a severe tooth infection might take weeks or months to spread to other parts of the body. Therefore, delaying the treatment is never recommended.
Visit our seasoned general dentist, Dr. Prem Kumar, at Almond Dental. Our doctor has extensive experience in treating various minor to major dental issues. Dial (612) 782-7000 (St. Anthony) or (763) 762-7177 (Maple Grove) to book an appointment.