Far too many people tend to underestimate just how dangerous a toothache can be. Oftentimes, they think the discomfort is the worst of it and that they can simply live with the pain. What they don’t realize, though, is that toothaches are often caused by infection – and said infection can have deadly consequences if left untreated. Here’s why ignoring a toothache instead of seeing your emergency dentist could potentially put your life in danger.
How Can an Infected Tooth Be Fatal?
When harmful bacteria are allowed to reach the pulp of the tooth (usually due to damage or severe decay), the result is a tooth infection. This commonly causes a throbbing pain in the tooth, which can either be recurring or continuous depending on the case.
Ignoring the infection for too long can give it a chance to spread to other parts of the body. If this happens, it could lead to sepsis, which is an overly extreme reaction from your body’s immune system. Sepsis can cause extensive inflammation that ultimately damages important organs. If it isn’t treated promptly, sepsis can easily be life-threatening.
Additionally, the bacteria that cause tooth infection could also contribute to several dangerous health issues if they’re allowed to spread. Examples include:
- Ludwig’s angina, which is an infection of the floor of the mouth.
- Necrotizing fasciitis, which leads to the death of soft tissues (such as your skin and muscles) throughout the body.
- Endocarditis, which is when the inner lining of the heart becomes infected.
It’s worth noting that deaths caused by tooth infections are rare. That being said, there’s no sense in taking chances where your life is concerned; you should seek a dentist’s help immediately if you think your toothache is caused by infected dental pulp.
What are the Warning Signs of a Tooth Infection?
A throbbing toothache is one of the most prominent signs that a tooth is infected. Other symptoms include:
- A tooth that is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
- Tooth pain that tends to get worse whenever you lie down.
- Swelling in your cheeks.
- Running a fever.
- Chronic bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away no matter what you do.
- An abscess (pocket of pus that resembles a pimple) forming near the tooth.
Your symptoms will grow worse the longer you leave your infection untreated, so be sure to schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as you can. The faster you act, the more likely you are to get the care you need before the infection becomes too severe.
About the Author
Dr. John Petty is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry; in order to earn that distinction, he had to attend more than 500 hours of continuing education courses. At his Tullahoma practice, Petty Dental, he tries to make time to see patients with dental emergencies – such as toothaches – as soon as possible, preferably on the same day as their initial call. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Petty, visit his website or call (931) 454-9499.