When you are experiencing a toothache, it’s not only an inconvenience because of the pain… if this infection is left untreated, then it can result in negative consequences that impact your overall health. Can an abscessed tooth kill you? While it’s unlikely that you will die from this type of infection, it can be quite dangerous when left untreated.
So, it’s essential to understand the signs of a tooth abscess so that you know when it’s time to talk to a dentist to treat the infection.
What Does a Serious Tooth Abscess Look Like?
A tooth abscess is a pocket of infection that forms in the gums at the base of the tooth. Bacteria are present, causing the infection, and pus starts to develop in this localized pocket. The most common reasons abscesses form is because of untreated cavities or gum disease. Or, it’s possible for an abscess to occur after a tooth has been damaged by trauma.
In the initial stages, a mild or moderate tooth abscess results in pain and discomfort. You will notice that the gums are red and swollen around the tooth. Additionally, you might have pus and/or blood coming out of the abscess. Often, there is a visible pocket near the tooth and gumline.
If the abscess is left untreated, then it can lead to more serious consequences. For example, you might see that your tooth becomes discolored. Another sign that you have a serious tooth abscess is if the swelling starts to spread to other parts of your face, including the cheeks or neck.
How Can a Tooth Abscess Kill You?
The initial stages of a tooth abscess aren’t typically life-threatening. At this point, the body is trying to fight the infection and you will only have localized symptoms.
But when the infection goes untreated, then it can start to spread to other parts of the body. This is where you should be asking the dentist: can you die from an abscess tooth? If the infection spreads, then it can cause issues with vital organs and result in serious complications such as sepsis or Ludwig’s angina.
The truth is that you might be asking “can an abscess tooth kill you,” and the individual tooth infection isn’t life-threatening. But the most severe complications can develop when that infection spreads from the mouth and into other parts of your body.
Symptoms That You Have a Life-Threatening Tooth Abscess
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body? If you are worried and asking can an abscessed tooth kill you, then consider these symptoms of a life-threatening infection.
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the neck, jaw, and/or face
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Throbbing and persistent pain that is getting worse
- Pus drainage
- Red streaks on the skin
If you notice any of these symptoms, then it’s critical that you seek dental care right away. In some cases, if the infection turns into sepsis, then the dentist might refer you to the emergency room for critical medical treatment.
When To Go to the ER for an Abscess Tooth?
How do you know whether you should call our dental team or head straight to the emergency room if you have a tooth abscess? In the initial stages of a tooth infection or abscess, a dentist is usually equipped to handle the treatment. So, call us if you have a toothache, red and swollen gums, or a visible abscess.
When does a tooth abscess become an emergency? If the symptoms are starting to affect other parts of your body and you are experiencing severe symptoms, then it might make sense to go to the emergency room first.
For example, rapidly increasing swelling is a serious sign that you need urgent medical care. Also, seek emergency medical treatment if the pain is intense, you have a high fever, you are experiencing confusion, or there is any difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Don’t Delay Dental Treatments and Medical Care
Regardless of the severity of your toothache or abscess, the most important thing that you can do is seek treatment immediately. Timing matters when it comes to any type of infection. The faster you treat the infection, the easier it is to avoid more serious consequences and even life-threatening infections.
So, if you visit a dentist right away at the first signs of a toothache, then you don’t need to ask can tooth abscess kill you, because the infection will be treated before it reaches a severe stage.
Can you die from a tooth abscess? It’s unlikely, especially if you call for a dental appointment when the first symptoms occur. It’s always best to take a proactive approach to prevent more serious complications, which is why you shouldn’t wait to schedule a dental appointment if you have a toothache.
Professional Diagnostics Are Critical to Understand the Extent of the Infection
Always err on the side of caution and seek a professional evaluation if you have questions about your oral health or overall health. The dentists and doctors have many years of experience with these types infections and can determine the severity of the infection and the ideal treatments to prevent more serious issues.
For example, even if your symptoms are minor, dental X-rays or other types of medical imaging might show that the infection is spreading. In this situation, early intervention could save you from more expensive and complicated treatments in the future. Instead of waiting for the symptoms to get worse, we can treat the infection immediately to stop it from spreading further.
Tips for Preventing Serious Dental Infections
Preventive treatments and early interventions are always the best choice for maintaining the healthiest smile possible. You can avoid serious dental infections by staying consistent with regular brushing and flossing habits at home. Additionally, make sure to visit our dental office at least twice a year for regular dental checkups and cleanings.
During these appointments, we will evaluate your oral health and identify if there are any issues that need to be treated. We recommend that you address any cavities and gum issues as early as possible in order to keep the symptoms from worsening and causing a need for more invasive treatments in the future.
When you come for the appointment, talk to our team about your personalized treatment plan. We will evaluate your oral health and provide the best recommendations to help you maintain the healthiest smile possible.
Call myDental for a Full Range of Dentistry Services
If you have a tooth abscess or infection, then it’s time to talk to our team about restorative dentistry services. We offer treatments for cavities and gum disease, as well as a range of other services to restore any teeth that have been damaged.
At myDental, our family-friendly dental clinic is here to help with anything that you need. You are invited to book an appointment at one of our nearby locations.