Can A Tooth Infection Be Fatal?

Tooth infections can be incredibly painful, and if they’re not treated promptly, they can even lead to permanent tooth loss.  Unfortunately, however, if you wait too long missing teeth could be the least of your worries. That’s because that agonizing infection can spread to nearby teeth and even throughout the body, which could be fatal. Here are some important signs to look out for that could indicate danger, and what you should do if you experience them.

Can a Tooth Infection Really Be Fatal?

Often, people are surprised to hear that an infection that starts out in a tiny tooth could be fatal, but unfortunately, it’s true. You see, when harmful oral bacteria infiltrate the pulp in your tooth, this collection of nerves and soft tissues can develop a painful infection known as an abscess. These can form because of an injury, excessive decay, or even a prior dental treatment. If your tooth has become infected, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Throbbing tooth, neck, or ear pain.
• Pain that increases when lying down.
• Tooth sensitivity or pain.
• Fever.
• Persistent, bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth that doesn’t go away with brushing.
• Swollen cheeks or lymph nodes in your neck.

If you experience any of the above, contact your emergency dentist as soon as possible for urgent help, as the sooner you can treat your infection, the better the chances you have of saving the tooth and preventing the bacteria from spreading through the body.

What Happens if the Infection Spreads?

While the risk of dying from an untreated tooth infection are low (typically between five and cases 10 each year in the United States) they are still possible, making it essential that you seek urgent help as soon as you can. Signs that yours may have spread include:

• Persistent headaches.
• Excessive fatigue.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Fever (including chills, sweating, and flushed or red skin).
• Facial swelling that may make it difficult to breathe, swallow, or open and close your mouth.
• Urinary problems such as the inability to urinate or darker urine.
• Rapid heartrate or breathing.
• Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, call your physician immediately or go directly to your nearest emergency room as quickly as possible. While your dentist will be happy to assist you with restoring your tooth when you are feeling better, the priority at this stage is to protect your overall health and eliminate the infection before it has a chance to get worse.

Remember, while the chances of dying from an untreated tooth infection are low, the chance still exists, making it extremely important to treat the condition as promptly as possible. Thus, if you are experiencing any of the signs above, contact your dentist as soon as you can, and if you notice any symptoms that indicate it has spread, go directly to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center for help. The sooner you treat the issue, the faster you’ll enjoy all the perks of a healthy, pain-free smile!

About Dr. Amburgey

Dr. Steven Amburgey earned his dental degree at WVU Dental School in 2005 and has continued to expand his vast dental knowledge since graduating.  He is also a proud, active member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association. To schedule an emergency dental visit at Amburgey Dental, please call us directly at 276-258-5568 for faster service!