Dental infections originate in the tooth or its supporting structures and can spread to the surrounding tissue. Dental infections were, historically, a common cause of death. Fortunately, due to improved dental hygiene, modern dentistry, and antibiotics, dental infections are rarely life-threatening today.
What can happen if a tooth infection is left untreated?
Sepsis or blood infection
The most lethal effect of untreated tooth root infection is sepsis. It happens when the bacterial infection has spread through your entire bloodstream, and your immune system triggers a system-wide inflammation that can rupture your organs and block arteries.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading?
Symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body include:
- Skin flushing.
- Face swelling, which can make it difficult to open your mouth, swallow, and breathe correctly.
- Severe and painful gum swelling.
How do I know if my tooth infection is serious?
A person who has a suspected tooth infection and develops any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:
- painful tongue and mouth.
- swelling of the face, neck, and cheeks.
- itching or burning sensation on the skin.
- severe headache.
- double vision or loss of vision.
How long can a tooth infection go untreated?
In conclusion, the maximum period that an untreated tooth abscess can sustain is 12 months or more. But, such longevity is associated with dangerous complications such as sepsis or even death. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!
Can you have a tooth infection for years?
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
An infection in your body is considered a threat. If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).
Can a dentist pull an infected tooth?
Will a dentist pull an infected tooth? Yes, dentists routinely do pull infected teeth.
Which tooth is connected to the brain?
Wisdom teeth, on the other hand, connect to the central nervous system, heart, liver, and intestines. They can also signal high blood pressure, eczema, headache, liver disease, pain in the extremities, and cardiovascular disease.
Which tooth is connected to the heart?
Heart – Upper and lower third molars (wisdom teeth)
How do I know if my tooth infection has spread to blood?
Some indications that the infection has begun to spread
- Puffiness of the jaw area around the tooth.
- Soreness of the tooth and surrounding areas.
- Facial swelling on the side of the infected tooth.
- Fever or elevated body temperature.
- Headaches, migraines or ear aches.
Can an untreated tooth infection cause sepsis?
When an infection occurs, bacteria can move out of the tooth to the bone or tissue below, forming a dental abscess. A dental infection can lead to sepsis. Sometimes incorrectly called blood poisoning, sepsis is the body’s often deadly response to infection.
How long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection?
Although you might not notice it right away, antibiotics begin working as soon as you start taking them. Usually, within 2-3 days, you’ll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection.
Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?
If a tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread to your face and/or neck. Severe infections can move to even more distant parts of your body. In rare cases, the infection may become systemic, which can affect multiple tissues throughout the body.
Is a tooth abscess an emergency?
Tooth abscess is absolutely a dental emergency. If you have a tooth abscess, you need to seek treatment immediately. Left untreated, abscess can lead to infection that spreads through the body causing serious and even life-threatening effects. The sooner these issues are treated the better!
Will antibiotics cure a tooth infection?
When you are suffering from a tooth infection, you may want an easy solution, such as a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics won’t cure your tooth infection. Oral bacterial infections cause abscesses, which are small pockets of pus and dead tissue in the mouth.
Can you live with a tooth abscess?
Dentists will treat a tooth abscess by draining it and getting rid of the infection. They may be able to save your tooth with a root canal treatment, but in some cases the tooth may need to be pulled. Leaving a tooth abscess untreated can lead to serious, even life-threatening, complications.