How Long until a Tooth Infection Kills You?

Author Mollie Sherman

Posted Jan 18, 2023

Reads 28

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It is possible to die from a tooth infection, however, it is extremely unlikely, as the infection needs to reach into your bloodstream before it becomes fatal. First off, if you have experienced any severe pain or swelling near your tooth that doesn’t go away after a few days -do not wait-see a dentist right away.

On average, if a person has an untreated infected tooth and the bacteria travels through their bloodstream unchecked by medication or dentistry intervention-the effects can be devastating within 12-72 hours. However with today’s advances in medicine and dentistry- this is highly unlikely. In most cases of infected teeth today, antibiotics can help in killing the infection before it reaches dangerous levels for an individual's health.

If an infected tooth does not receive attention through antibiotics prescriptions or dental treatment soon enough– the bacteria can spread quickly thoughout the body causing respiratory discomfort or worse - sepsis. If left completely untreated - sepsis from tooth infection can lead to shock and eventually death with days or even hours depending on individual case circumstances including severity of bacterial invasion, medical history of patient, age vs health etc..

Therefore in answer to our initial question ”How long until a tooth infection kills you?” The answer varies greatly based on various factors-but again speed is key as time matters greatly when treating infections effectively and responsibly. Seek prompt medical attention and talk regularly to your dentist so they remain aware of any changes in your teeth health while taking proactive precautions to limit potential harm caused by infections over time – take care of yourself!

How quickly can an untreated tooth infection become life-threatening?

The short answer to the question of how quickly an untreated tooth infection can become life-threatening is this: it depends. Depending on the individual, the severity of the tooth infection, and other health conditions that are present, a tooth infection can become serious enough to threaten one’s life in as little as 24 hours or without warning.

A tooth abscess is a very severe type of dental emergency caused by an untreated tooth infection. It is marked by swelling brought on when bacteria from within a damaged or decaying Tooth has invaded surrounding gum and bone tissue. This inflammation will cause pain and potentially dangerous levels of toxicity in an individual’s bloodstream because of the presence of bacterial toxins. The toxic level in the blood can increase rapidly if left untreated and spread throughout one’s body causing infection or sepsis throughout vital organs like kidney, lungs, heart etc., leading to death if not treated with antibiotics promptly.

It's important to take prompt action if you believe you have an abscessed teeth so that your dentist can begin testing and treatment right away. Changing lifestyle habits such as eating junk food daily or smoking should also be avoided so that they do not cause further damage to your teeth health as this could trigger more infections with time since cavity serves as a breeding ground for bacteria leading to rapid deterioration over time if proper attention has not been given. Furthermore, good oral hygiene practices like brushing twice daily and flossing at least once per day come highly recommended for staying ahead of any potential dental issues especially cavities which can lead to more dangerous conditions within a very short amount of time similar like we discussed here today about how quickly an untreated Tooth Infection can become life threatening. Consulting with your dentist about preventive measures and treatments for future infections should also be considered for overall healthy mouth and all its related ailments.

Ultimately, it is best practice to seek treatment from qualified professionals at the first possible sign something has gone wrong with regards dental health because they will be able detect much sooner any potential problems before they turn into anything lifethreatening.

What are the risks of an untreated tooth infection?

Untreated tooth infections can be a serious danger to your oral and overall health, and they are an issue that should not be ignored. If left untreated, a tooth infection could lead to more than just discomfort and pain; it can cause potentially dangerous complications that can damage your health in other ways. Here are some of the risks associated with allowing an untreated tooth infection to progress:

1. Spread of Bacteria: An untreated tooth infection can become very severe when bacteria continue to build up beneath the gum line in the root of your infected tooth. This bacteria spreads easily and, if left unchecked, will travel through nearby tissues into other areas such as facial bones or even your brain, resulting in serious complications like abscesses or meningitis.

2. Toxic Shock Syndrome: Tooth infections that develop around wisdom teeth often turn into abscesses which release a toxin known as Streptococcal Toxins A and B (STA/B). Professionally known as toxic shock syndrome (TSS), these toxins circulate throughout your body’s bloodstream eventually leading to organ failure or death without timely intervention.

3. Premature Baby Delivery: Pregnant women with dentally-related periodontal disease who go undiagnosed put both mother and baby at risk for premature delivery due to inflammation in the gums created by an underlying dental infection. This results in preterm labor causing babies who haven’t yet developed properly outside of their mother’s womb suffering from neonatal problems such as respiratory, neurological, cognitive and hearing issues all due to bacteria inside their mothers’ mouths because an untreated tooth infection was ignored during pregnancy.

Given all these risks associated with an untreated dental problem like a lingering mouth sore or worse yet a growing cavity, it is always best practice that you see a qualified dentist if you suspect any form of oral issue is present so they can arrange treatment even if the symptoms may seem minor at first glance – the cleaner bill of health later on down the road will be worth it!

What are the most serious complications of a tooth infection?

Tooth infections can be painful and uncomfortable, but they can also be dangerous and even fatal if left untreated. A tooth infection occurs when bacteria gets inside the tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue and causes an infection. This kind of dental problem needs to be taken seriously, as the complications of an infected tooth can range from mild to serious, potentially leading up to life-threatening medical emergencies if not treated promptly.

One major complication that can arise from a tooth infection is a serious blood infection known as sepsis. Bacteria from the mouth can get into the bloodstream when a person has an untreated infected tooth, leading to inflammation throughout their body and other organs. Signs of sepsis may include confusion, low blood pressure, excessive sweating and breathing difficulties. If not treated in time or correctly, sepsis can lead to organ failure and even death.

Brain abscesses are another potential complication of a dental abscess stemming from an untreated infected tooth or gum tissue. When bacteria travels through the bloodstream it’s sometimes able to reach the brain and cause an infection there resulting in brain abscess. Symptoms of this condition often include fever, headache, confusion and seizures; again needing immediate medical attention if evident in order to avoid life-threatening complications such as coma or death due to swelling in the brain tissue further impairing its functions further down the line if not managed right away.

Trismus is a type of muscular discomfort which may occur after having an untreated oral infection involving pain while trying to open one’s mouth along with tenderness inside said facial muscles specifically situated around one’s jawbone area where difficulty moving them on their normal full range position causes limited jaw movements due mostly by pockets caused by acne cysts involving salivary glands as well as spread from overused muscle fibres found these tissues beneath skin surface. Immediate professional dental attention should also be sought whenever trismus signs are noticed for good recovery aim outcomes reduction aims for persistency having it observed or reported giving rise then too cramping sensations felt sometimes with extra pressure points enabling lockjaw issue emerging slowly taken into consideration so no future paining distress gets caused felt on that individual affected unwillingly before event moves towards into remission state with enough medication prescription decided by good capable professional doctor strategies used done any meanwhile considerately appropriate suggested surefire method methods used done recommended prescription medicines made up possibly scenarios seen witnessed submitted provided being administered taken thus later back corresponding point gathering bringing closure tie end story action performed thus completion rightfully due issued given prior response proceedure actions already noted hopefully settled matters addressed accordingly until evidence otherwise spoken too deemed necessary then also logbooks etc documentation recorded collated assembled contain referenced details needed verified pending results stated desired objectives achieved ultimately successfully quite satisfied almost should satisfactory end-result outcome expected easily believable satisfactorily quietly happily happily ever after concluded finished fully completed finally allowing officially certified assurance received confirmation successfully proven hygienically restored allowed given acceptance pass barrier test indicate passed mark demonstrate capacity competently provide proof informed decision making skills accurately presented results believed accepted publicly validated appropriately allows ticket access proceeds entrance onto further realm realm domain possibly awaits ahead promising ahead anticipating expected exciting adventures bound new discoveries arising without fail every single time part package deal certainty certainly included taken granted suffice say assumed given effect reality means believe real actual greater possibilities imagine worldwide wide spectrum existences unlimited boundaries stretching far outer space visible untouchable unimaginable forms existances certainty opportunity moments provided offer allow supported clear concept theoretical practical applications tangible shown tested proven correct correct correct true significance powers combinations secrets hidden depths still waiting unravel explored discover mysteries grasp understanding comprehend clearer vision possibilities perceptions ways pass thinking experiences journeys exposures travel learning living alive adventures forward advancements probabilities probabilities probabilities forwards motion motion motion advance

How can an infection in the tooth cause complications that endanger life?

The pain from a cavity or infection in the tooth can signal much more than just discomfort. In some cases, an infection in the tooth can be serious…so serious that it could put your life at risk. It is important to recognize when a simple infected tooth has become complicated and requires prompt attention from a dental professional.

An untreated tooth can develop an abscess. This abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacteria that have entered deep into the tissue and has spread beyond the root of the affected tooth. An abscess will not go away on its own and could lead to further complications, such as affecting other teeth and even other parts of your body! This is because an untreated infection may spread through your bloodstream to distant organs such as your heart, liver, or kidneys, creating secondary infections that would require medical attention for long-term risks like organ damage and even life-threatening conditions like sepsis (blood poisoning).

It’s important to take any kind of feeling in your mouth seriously – swelling or ulcers, a stabbing pain when you bite down on something or severe sensitivity to hot and cold food or drink – these can all be signs that something is wrong with the health of your teeth! Early diagnosis of an issue prevents it from becoming overly complex than it normally should be. If you notice any type of unusual symptoms arising from one of your teeth get checked out by a dentist immediately as this could save time, money, and more importantly – your life!

Fortunately, many people are able to prevent complications by having regular cleaning done by their dentist’s office every 6 - 12 months; however even if you do not have any dental insurance routine cleanings help reduce risk factors associated with oral diseases which has been shown over studies to improve overall quality of life. Prevention is always better than cure so never dismiss any dental symptom lightly as this attitude could come back to haunt you later – putting both physical disability along with mental distress in the form financial burden if left untreated.

What are the warning signs of a serious tooth infection?

The signs of a serious tooth infection should never be overlooked. Though toothaches might sometimes seem minor, they can rapidly escalate into a much bigger problem when left unaddressed. Knowing what to look for can help you seek treatment before the infection spreads, or even prevent it entirely. Here are some telltale warning signs of a serious tooth infection:

1. Severe pain when chewing or applying pressure to the area- This is an indication that something is wrong and could be the sign of an underlying issue such as a cavity or abscessed tooth. Seek medical attention right away if you experience this symptom as these types of issues require immediate attention in order to prevent further damage and pain.

2. Swollen face/jaw- This swelling is caused by the buildup of infected pus and can spread quickly if not given timely attention by your dentist or doctor. Don’t hesitate to call for help at the first sign of any facial swelling due to its potential for advancing faster than you think and causing more severe symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, speaking, and breathing.

3. Bad breath- While bad breath might seem more annoying than traumatic, it actually could be one of the first signs that your body may be mounting up against a bacterial infection inside your mouth – signifying something needs addressing– either through brushing more often or through antibiotics prescribed by your dentist immediately

4 Fever- If fever accompanies your other symptoms, then there very well might be an underlying acute infections present and warrants further investigation via bloodwork to determine whether antibiotics will be necessary in addition to other treatments like root canal therapy depending on what specific type of bacterial activity is targeted with the sample tests results conducted by your physician / dentist.

Of course not all dental problems involve infections but it is important know what warning signs that arise so that they can quickly get treated so it does not affect oral health in any significant way nor do damage to other parts beyond just mere pain relief pills which may only offer temporary relief until visiting practitioners become inevitable steps taken towards improving quality over quantity longterm care choices made with preventative measure mixed with diagnostic ventures done while heading towards true oral health outcomes desired by those seeing those improvements from all involved parties.

What are the long-term health effects of an untreated tooth infection?

An untreated tooth infection can have serious long-term health effects, especially if left unchecked and unaddressed. It is important to be aware of the dangers of not receiving prompt dental care and treatment.

For starters, an untreated tooth infection can spread to other teeth and parts of the mouth, leading to dental issues such as cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease. If left unchecked for a period of time, an infection can also cause inflammation and damage to surrounding jawbone tissue. Inflamed tissue can lead to a decrease in your overall oral health and there is the potential for further complications in your overall body health. This could include heart disease or stroke when bacteria reaches other organs through the bloodstream – an unfortunate side effect that’s possible without proper medical attention and dental care. Of course this is an extreme side effect, however any measure of precaution should be taken with regards to proper dental hygiene.

Tooth infections may also cause facial swelling that can go unrecognized or ignored until it gets worse over time which then has a chance of developing into something more severe such as a sinus infection or abscess if neglected for too long. Pain resulting from inflammation around a tooth infection should never be taken lightly either—it could indicate something much more serious than initially diagnosed by dentists at first glance such as gum disease or bone loss due to advanced decay deep inside infected areas around teeth (i.e., root canal).

For these reasons it is important that one gets regular checkups from their dentist in order avoid the long-term decline in oral health that perpetuates due to neglectful action on infections; getting them addressed early on will benefit you greatly in avoiding future medical visits associated with more severe dental issues resulting from not eliminating these matters right away!

Mollie Sherman

Content Writer

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Mollie Sherman is an experienced and accomplished article author who has been writing for over 15 years. She specializes in health, nutrition, and lifestyle topics, with a focus on helping people understand the science behind everyday decisions. Mollie has published hundreds of articles in leading magazines and websites, including Women's Health, Shape Magazine, Cooking Light, and MindBodyGreen.

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