Nobody would think that a severe toothache could leave you in the hospital if it’s left unaddressed. A tooth abscess, also known as an infection, is more serious than most patients believe, especially if it’s not immediately treated. Not only could you lose your natural pearly white, but it could also land you in a serious medical emergency, eventually affecting other areas of your body. So, if you’re wondering whether a tooth infection can actually kill you, the answer is yes. Read on to learn why you should seek help immediately if you have a severe toothache that won’t go away.
What is a Tooth Abscess?
When harmful oral bacteria are left to accumulate in your mouth and penetrate the protective layer of your tooth, it can result in a bacterial tooth infection. Inside your tooth are thousands of nerves collected in a small bundle of tissue called the pulp. When this area becomes penetrated and aggravated by bacteria, it can result in moderate to severe pain. However, if it’s left long enough, you may feel nothing at all because the tooth is already dead. When abscessed teeth are left untreated, they can turn into a serious and life-threatening emergency.
What Symptoms Should You Look Out For?
Depending on the location of your abscessed tooth, how your body responds, and whether your tooth is still alive or not, patients usually experience a large spectrum of symptoms. The most common one is a severe throbbing pain near the gums of the affected tooth. It can be so intense that it wakes you up at night. Typically, the pain suddenly occurs, and it only gets worse with time. Some other signs that you have an infected tooth include:
- Pain that spreads to your ear, jaw, and neck.
- Pain that increases when you’re laying down.
- Pain while you bite or chew.
- Redness and swelling.
- Swollen and red gums.
- Intense tooth sensitivity.
- Discolored or loose teeth.
- Chronic bad breath.
- Bad taste in your mouth.
- Sweating, chills, and other symptoms of a fever.
In any of these situations, you should immediately visit your nearest emergency dentist or local ER, because your mouth needs urgent attention.
What Problems Can Untreated Infections Cause?
When bacterial infections are left unattended to, they can spread into the bloodstream and move to other areas of your body. In 2007, a 12-year-old boy died after the bacteria from a tooth infection had spread to his brain, and new studies have found that deaths caused by these highly preventable infections aren’t as rare as everyone believes. Researchers in Boston found that in 2008 alone, 8,141 people were admitted to the hospital because of abscessed teeth. Between 2000 and 2008, 66 patients died from tooth infections as well.
Because dental infection hospitalizations are on the rise, it has never been a better time to improve your oral hygiene routine and make sure that any oral health problems are treated sooner rather than later. With early intervention, you’ll be able to save your natural tooth and shield yourself from hefty ER bills.
About the Practice
At Coral Springs Dentistry, we have four highly experienced dentists on our team. They’re passionate about helping patients avoid oral discomfort and pain by providing thorough preventive care. They also understand that dental emergencies occur, which is why they offer extended hours and are open on Saturdays. For questions or to schedule an emergency dental appointment if you’re experiencing a severe toothache, visit our website or call 954-341-0500.