An infected tooth is an indication that bacteria has already entered into our soft tissues. These bacteria can spread to the tissues across the other body parts within a week or months to cause life-threatening complications. Therefore, untreated tooth infection has a rare and possible chance of causing death. But the answer to the question “How long until a tooth infection kills you” is not predictable as it differs from person to person based on the factors like severity of the infection, current health status, previous medical records, time of consulting with a dentist and type of infection.
Overall, this article explains what tooth infection is, how fast tooth infection can spread, symptoms of tooth infection, how long a tooth infection can go untreated and can a tooth infection kill you.
What is Tooth Infection?
Tooth infection is a bacterial infection that affects the teeth, jaw, and gums through the invasion of bacteria. These bacteria enter the teeth, gum or jaw through cracks, exposed gums, cavity or injury. Tooth Infections can spread from the root of the tooth to the bones supporting the tooth and also to the other parts of the body if left untreated.
How fast can tooth infection spread?
A tooth abscess caused by a cavity affects the tips of the teeth and takes time to reach the center of the teeth to cause damage to soft tissues or pulp. But the tooth abscess is caused directly at the innermost part of the teeth in some people who have cracks or chips in their teeth and the deep cavity will spread much faster.
First, the infection will cause mild pain at the tip of the teeth. But, when a tooth infection spreads to the root of the teeth it will cause severe discomfort even if it is left untreated. Then, there is a high chance it will spread to the gums, jaw and even blood. Overall, it’s difficult to predict exactly how long it will take for a tooth infection to spread.
Symptoms of tooth infection
- Severe, ongoing toothache that radiates to your neck, ears, or jaw
- Agony or distress in both warm and chilly environments
- Pain or discomfort during biting or chewing
- High temperature (Fever)
- Facial, cheek, or neck swelling that could make it difficult for you to breathe or swallow
- Sore, enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or beneath your jaw
- Bad taste on your tongue
- A quick rush of foul-smelling, salty fluid may be experienced in your mouth along with pain relief if the abscess breaks.
How to identify if the tooth infection is spreading across the body?
If the tooth infection spreads across the body there are some signs that include,
- Stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Dehydration
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or confusion
- Rapid heart rate and high fever
- Difficulty with breathing
- Discomfort with swallowing
How long can a tooth infection go untreated?
As long as you leave the tooth infection untreated, the infection spreads across the other parts of the body. As the tooth infection can never go on its own or to any home remedies. You should consult with a dentist or a healthcare provider within days or weeks after the sign of tooth infection to avoid severe health complications.
Can we treat Tooth Infection at Home?
No, dental abscesses must need a dental visit. As the tooth infection can make the nerves inside the teeth die, and you may not feel the pain because of it. So never judge that by the use of home remedies the tooth infection is killed. Proper treatment can only help you treat tooth infections.
Can a tooth infection kill you?
Yes, a tooth infection can kill you. But it’s very rare and only in cases where the tooth infection is left untreated and spreads to the other parts of the body, which causes serious conditions and even death.
Here are some of the serious conditions caused when a tooth infection is spread across various parts of the body. They are,
Sepsis:
It is also known as blood poisoning. This usually occurs when an infection reacts with blood. In the case of a tooth infection, it spreads to the blood and blood reacts with the infection.
Infective endocarditis:
It is one of the rare heart diseases caused by the bacteria entering the bloodstream from the spread of tooth infection.
Cavernous sinus thrombosis:
CST is often caused by a bacterial infection that spreads from the teeth, sinuses, ears, eyes, nose, or skin of the face.
Osteomyelitis:
It is a serious and rare bone condition that occurs after a tooth extraction or dental implant. It’s caused by bacteria that spread from an open wound to the underlying bone. And this can spread across, the parts of the body, causing serious health complications.
Brain infection:
Brain infection is a rare life-threatening condition that is caused when a tooth infection spreads to the brain. The symptoms include headaches, neck stiffness, changes in mental status, personality changes, and body weakness.
Takeaway
In recent times, death due to tooth infection has been reduced as the modern health system has the ability to prevent them. However, you need to consult with a dentist to treat the tooth infection as early as possible. If not, then it will be difficult to face the health complications caused by the spread of tooth infection to other parts of the body.
