While almost everyone will experience a toothache at some point in their lives, a surprisingly common reaction to this inconvenient discomfort is delaying treatment and hoping it will go away on its own. In fact, did you know that there are just as many people who ignore dental pain as there are those who head straight to the dental office, if not more?
Whether it’s from fear of the dentist, money concerns, or just a busy schedule, an unexpectedly large number of Americans delay seeking help for this common nuisance. Instead, they temporarily cope with over the counter pain relievers and by chewing on the opposite side of the tooth in question. Although this may work for a short time, this method presents real dangers that most people, understandably, just don’t consider.
Did you know that toothaches can progress to full blown infections in a matter of days? As a dentist, tooth infections are something that I never take lightly. Read on to find out how these seemingly minor inconveniences can actually turn into life-threatening situations – and what you can do to protect yourself.
What is a “Tooth Infection” and What Causes Them?
A tooth infection, known in the dental world as a dental abscess, is a collection of pus at the base of a tooth root that is caused by a bacterial infection. While the vast majority of these develop due to untreated tooth decay, they can also come from cracked teeth or severe periodontal (gum) disease.
Typically, the infection occurs when the center of the tooth, otherwise known as the “pulp chamber,” is exposed to bacteria from large cavities that have been allowed to grow to the point of reaching the tooth’s center. The resulting inflammation of the nerves inside the tooth’s pulp often cause intense pain during the early stages that precede abscess formation. Fortunately this entire process, as well as the subsequent abscess, is detectable by dentists using X-rays and clinical evaluations during our exams.
The Escalation of an Infection: How They Spread
Even though a dental abscess begins in a localized area around the tooth, they can spread. And not just in the facial region, but throughout the body. Here’s how:
Into the Jaw and Surrounding Soft Tissue
As the infection progresses, it can spread to the jaw as well as the gums and facial tissues. This typically presents itself as painful swelling (cellulitis) and redness in the head and neck. In certain cases, the swelling may interfere with breathing and swallowing which necessitates immediate medical care.
Into the Sinuses
Infections can spread into the sinuses, resulting in a sinus infection that causes congestion and facial pressure. This is particularly common with the upper teeth, especially the molars.
Into the Bloodstream (Sepsis)
In more rare and severe cases, the bacteria from a dental infection can actually enter the bloodstream, leading to the life-threatening condition called sepsis. The body responds to this by initiating widespread inflammation that can cause organ systems to fail. Symptoms of sepsis include high fever, rapid heart rate and breathing, and disorientation.
As a practicing dentist, I have treated numerous patients where a dental infection has spread into the jaw and surrounding soft tissue, as well as the sinuses. These patients need immediate attention, as well as antibiotics.
Fortunately, I have not seen as many patients that develop sepsis as this is more rare, although one personal experience will always stand out. Before I became a dentist, a friend of mine developed sepsis from an untreated tooth abscess. After ignoring swelling in her face and trying to manage discomfort with painkillers, she experienced a rapid decline where her fever spiked to 103 degrees and she had to be admitted to the ER. She was disoriented from her dropping blood pressure, and she could barely keep her eyes open. While she recovered with IV antibiotics and immediate intervention, she told me it was the scariest experience of her life.
Can a Tooth Infection Really Kill You?
Frighteningly enough, the answer is yes. In fact, historically, tooth infections were a significant cause of death among humans. This was particularly true before the advent of modern antibiotics like penicillin.
Thankfully, modern dentistry and medicine have made it so that deaths from dental infections are now very rare. But because they are still possible, it is critical to seek immediate treatment for them.
Signs and Symptoms
Being aware of the following signs and symptoms of a dental abscess can help prevent dangerous complications from a dental abscess. You should get prompt medical treatment if you experience:
- Persistent pain in a certain tooth or surrounding area
- Hot and/or cold sensitivity
- Swelling in the face and/or neck
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Tender/swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
In addition to these common symptoms, I should also mention that some individuals may not even be aware that they have a dental abscess or infection. This is often due to the tooth nerve slowly dying and lulls people into a false sense of security if their toothache has “miraculously” disappeared. In fact, as the nerve dies, bacteria is able to more quickly travel down the tooth root to facilitate spread of infection. This is why it’s always important to have regular dental check-ups – so we, as dentists, can evaluate things that you may not even be aware of.
Treatments
There are only two options to treat a tooth that has an abscess:
1. Root Canal: For infections that are less extreme, root canals are able to save the offending tooth by removing the infected and clean the infected tissue.
2. Tooth Extraction: When teeth are too far gone to save or the infection is too severe, extraction may be the only option. If this is the case, I recommend replacing the missing tooth with a dental implant.
Additionally, you may also be prescribed antibiotics – particularly if the infection has spread. Sometimes, abscesses need to be drained and disinfected as well.
Early treatment not only provides relief from pain and swelling, but it prevents dangerous complications where the infection spreads systemically.
Prevention
The good news is – there are absolutely things that you can do to prevent any scary situations that may result from a tooth infection.
1. Oral hygiene and healthy diet: The first line of defense against the dreaded cavities and gum disease that cause infections in the first place is, of course, oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and don’t forget to floss. Diets free of excessive processed sugar help tremendously.
2. Regular dental check-ups: Be sure to visit your dentist every 6 months so we can check for cavities, cracked teeth, and gum disease.
3. Get cavities and gum disease treated ASAP: This ensures that problems are caught and addressed early – before they turn into something serious.
Final Thoughts
Toothaches should never be ignored, and dental infections do not go away on their own. Ever. What might start out as a minor inconvenience can quickly escalate into a medical emergency if left untreated.
Early intervention greatly lowers chances of complications and helps prevent infection spread. So don’t wait for a toothache to become a life-threatening crisis, and be sure to prioritize your oral health.
Did you know that toothaches could turn life threatening? Have you ever had complications from a dental infection?
~Dr. Lee
This post was not meant to scare anyone – rather, I want to instead spread awareness about the serious consequences that can result from ignoring dental infections. Many are not aware of such dangers, and we as dentists owe it to the general public to share our knowledge. By understanding these risks, I hope that you’ll seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the symptoms that I mentioned in this article.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or physician with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. If you think you may have a dental or medical emergency, call your dentist or physician immediately. Remember, this blog is meant to share knowledge and insights but cannot replace the personalized care and guidance from your own healthcare providers.