How long until a tooth infection kills you? Severe pain, difficulty breathing/swallowing, high fever, rapid heart rate, or confusion/disorientation are all signs of a potentially fatal infection that requires immediate medical attention.
Tooth infections are common dental issues that can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. Tooth infection occurs when bacteria infiltrate the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth, causing inflammation and pus buildup. A tooth infection, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body, causing nerve or soft tissue infection, bone tissue infection, and causing serious complications that may affect the body’s vital organs including the heart. A tooth infection can be fatal in rare cases.
In this article, we’ll look at how long it takes for a tooth infection to kill you and what you can do to avoid it.
How tooth infection kills
To begin, you should be aware that a tooth infection can cause a variety of symptoms, including tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, fever, swollen glands, and difficulty opening your mouth. Depending on the severity of the infection, these symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Tooth abscess
A tooth infection can sometimes result in the formation of a dental abscess, which is a collection of pus that forms at the root of the tooth.
A dental abscess, if left untreated, can spread to the surrounding tissues, causing swelling, inflammation, and pain. It can also spread to the jawbone, causing osteomyelitis, a condition that causes bone destruction and severe pain. An abscessed tooth that is not treated can lead to infection spreading to other parts of the body, such as the brain or heart, resulting in potentially serious illness and fatal complications.
Sepsis
Sepsis, which occurs when an infection spreads to the bloodstream, is one of the most serious complications of a tooth infection. Sepsis is a potentially fatal condition that can result in organ failure, septic shock, and even death. Fever, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, low blood pressure, and confusion are all symptoms of sepsis. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away.
Ludwig’s angina
Ludwig’s angina, a rare but serious infection that affects the floor of the mouth and the neck, is another potential complication of a tooth infection. This condition can cause swelling and inflammation, making breathing and swallowing difficult. Ludwig’s angina, if left untreated, can lead to respiratory failure and death.
How long until a tooth infection kills you
So, how long does a tooth infection take to kill you?
The answer to this question is determined by the severity of the infection and the speed with which it is treated.
A tooth infection is usually not fatal if caught early and treated promptly.
However, if the infection is not treated promptly, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications such as sepsis and Ludwig’s angina.
Death in these cases can happen in a matter of days or even hours.
How to prevent tooth infections from becoming life-threatening
To keep a tooth infection from becoming life-threatening, practise good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for cleanings and checkups on a regular basis.
Also, if you have any symptoms of a tooth infection, such as tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, you should seek dental care right away. Your dentist can examine you thoroughly and determine the best course of treatment to keep the infection from spreading.
A tooth infection is a serious dental problem that, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications. While the length of time it takes for a tooth infection to kill you is determined by several factors, including the severity of the infection, and how quickly it is treated, it is important to take any symptoms of a tooth infection seriously and seek medical attention immediately.
How to reduce risks factors and complications
There are several other things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a tooth infection, in addition to good oral hygiene and prompt dental care. These are some examples:
- Eating a healthy diet: A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help strengthen your immune system, allowing your body to fight infections more effectively.
- Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks: These can erode tooth enamel, allowing bacteria to enter your teeth and cause infections.
- Avoiding tobacco and alcohol: These can depress your immune system and increase your chances of getting sick.
- Stress management: Stress can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight infections. Find healthy stress-relieving activities such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
- Getting enough sleep: Sleep is critical for maintaining a healthy immune system. Aim for a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Final thoughts on how long I takes for an untreated tooth infection to kill you
A tooth infection is a serious dental problem that, if left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications.
While the time it takes for a tooth infection to kill you depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the infection and how quickly it is treated, any symptoms of a tooth infection should be taken seriously and treated as soon as possible.
You can reduce your risk of developing a bacterial infection in your teeth and preventing the condition from becoming life-threatening by practising good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, managing stress, and getting enough sleep.
FAQ
Q: How common is death from tooth infection?
A: Death from a tooth infection is uncommon, but it can occur in severe cases where the infection has spread to other parts of the body and caused life-threatening complications, such as the brain or heart. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 30,000 to 60,000 cases of severe dental infections occur in the United States each year, and while death is uncommon, it can occur in some of these cases. However, with prompt dental care, the vast majority of tooth infections can be successfully treated, and the risk of death from a tooth infection can be significantly reduced by seeking treatment early and practising good oral hygiene.
Q: What happens if you let a tooth infection go too long?
A: If you ignore a tooth infection for too long, it can lead to a number of serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Here are some of the consequences of not treating a tooth infection:
Infection spread: A tooth infection can spread to other areas of the body, including the jaw, sinuses, brain, and bloodstream. This can result in severe pain, swelling, and inflammation, as well as abscesses, sepsis, or meningitis.
Tooth loss: Untreated tooth infections can cause irreversible damage to the tooth and surrounding structures, resulting in tooth loss.
Bone and tissue damage: If the infection spreads to the bones and tissues of the mouth and face, it can cause severe damage and lead to bone and tissue loss.
Chronic pain: If a tooth infection is not treated, it can lead to chronic pain that is difficult to manage and may necessitate long-term treatment.
Systemic health issues: A severe tooth infection can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of developing other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.
Q: How do I know if my tooth infection is life threatening?
A: If you have a tooth infection, you should take it seriously and seek medical attention right away to avoid it becoming a life-threatening condition. Here are some warning signs and symptoms that your tooth infection is becoming or has become life-threatening:
Severe pain: Severe tooth pain that is accompanied by swelling, redness, or fever may indicate that the infection has spread and is causing inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
Difficulty breathing or swallowing: If your tooth infection has spread to your throat or airways, you may experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, which can be life-threatening.
High fever: A high fever may indicate that the infection has spread to other parts of the body, causing systemic inflammation.
Rapid heart rate: If your heart rate is significantly elevated, it could be a sign that the infection has spread and is putting strain on your cardiovascular system.
Confusion or disorientation: Confusion or disorientation may indicate that the infection has spread to the brain and is causing neurological symptoms.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away. Your dentist or doctor can determine the severity of your infection and the best course of treatment for you. Hospitalization may be required in some cases to manage the infection and prevent further complications.
If left untreated, a tooth infection can become fatal, especially if it spreads to other parts of the body. If you have symptoms of a tooth infection, you should seek immediate medical attention.