Signs of a Tooth Infection
You’ve heard the phrase death by tooth infection, but how likely is it that this happens in real life? It turns out the answer is complicated, as some bacteria cause infections that can be fatal while others don’t. Here are some signs of a tooth infection and what you can do to prevent them, whether you have an abscess or not. how long until a tooth infection kills you.
What causes tooth infections?
There are many different bacteria that can cause tooth infections, including: Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Veillonella and Fusobacterium. Most commonly though, it is caused by Streptococcus mutans. Tooth infection causes can be from food stuck in your teeth and forming plaque or from gum disease that has spread to your teeth. A bacterial infection will start with tooth decay which will then lead to an abscessed tooth causing you extreme pain until you seek treatment. Untreated infections can eventually lead to osteomyelitis (bone infection) and death if left untreated for too long.
What happens if I don’t treat my infection?
If you don’t treat your infection, it will likely worsen and could even kill you. Bacteria from infected teeth can spread to other areas of your body, including your heart or brain. In rare cases, infections have traveled to your lungs, kidneys, or eyes and led to death. This is called acute infective endocarditis (AIE) and it’s usually caused by bacteria from an infected tooth entering your bloodstream. Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you should still see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment. If caught early enough and treated properly with antibiotics, AIE can be cured without long-term health problems. Without treatment though… well… let’s just say you could die!
How serious are tooth infections?
Tooth infections aren’t just painful. If left untreated, they can become life-threatening, especially in rare cases where they spread to other parts of your body. That’s why it’s so important to identify tooth infection symptoms and seek treatment from your dentist. The first step is learning how to spot a tooth infection; here are some tips on what you should watch out for . While tooth pain isn’t necessarily an indicator of an infection, if you have any type of tooth pain that doesn’t subside or continues over a long period of time (over several days or weeks), consider seeing your dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth pain at night or while chewing can also be signs that there is something wrong with your teeth—in addition to blood coming from them (if there isn’t a visible injury). One other thing to look out for? A bad taste in your mouth . This could indicate plaque buildup or an advanced tooth infection due to bacteria. And don’t forget about swelling —that’s one obvious indicator that something’s wrong with your tooth.
Do my symptoms match those of a tooth infection?
If you think you may have a tooth infection, start by determining if your symptoms match up with those of an infection. According to WebMD, common signs and symptoms include: swelling, redness or pain in your face and neck; earache; trouble swallowing; bad breath or a taste that smells like garbage; white spots on your teeth. The same source suggests that tooth infections are not typically painful when they first occur but can quickly become so as they worsen. If you experience any of these warning signs, contact your dentist right away and ask to be seen. However, note that it’s always best to see your dentist right away even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms — an infected tooth is easier to treat when caught early on.
What can I do about it?
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your dentist immediately. In extreme cases, tooth infections can kill you if left untreated. Untreated oral health problems can lead to other serious health complications and tooth decay is consider one of our biggest public health issues because it affects everyone—no matter how old or young you are. If you have kids, teach them good dental hygiene habits starting as early as possible—teaching them good oral hygiene at an early age reduces their chances of developing cavities and tooth decay later in life.
How serious is the condition?
A tooth infection can be incredibly serious. Many tooth infections are cause by bacteria that come from everyday food or water sources; once in your mouth, these bacteria can spread quickly, infecting your gums and bones. If left untreated, tooth infections are deadly in about 50% of cases. If you feel any pain in your teeth or gums, see a dentist as soon as possible for treatment—ideally within one day of noticing symptoms. The longer you wait to see a doctor, the less likely you’ll be able to salvage your tooth.
Where will it spread?
Typically, tooth infections do not spread to other organs in your body. If you experience pain or swelling anywhere else in your mouth (such as in your tongue or gums), however, that could be an indication that it has spread to an area near where you felt pain and is causing damage there. It may also mean that you have a separate health issue—like oral cancer—that needs to be treat immediately. Oral cancer is a serious condition that must be diagnose and treat quickly, so if you’re experiencing any discomfort outside of your tooth infection, go see your dentist as soon as possible.
When should I get medical treatment?
Tooth infections can be incredibly painful, especially when they’re not treat early. Some signs that you may have an infection include swollen gums, redness or pain in your tooth, bad breath or discolored teeth. If any of these symptoms last more than one week or worsen, you should see your dentist immediately. Your dentist will examine your mouth and perform x-rays to confirm a diagnosis before starting treatment with antibiotics and other medications. Getting treatment as soon as possible is key because once bacteria infects one tooth it can spread quickly to others nearby. In some cases, antibiotics are enough to kill off bacteria but if tooth damage is extensive then part or all of a tooth may need to be remove.
