How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You

A tooth abscess or a tooth infection is a serious issue if not treated properly. “How long until a tooth infection kills you” may seem scary at first, but being aware of the possibilities of the infection and seeking medical attention reduces the risk of a dental infection becoming life-threatening. This article tackles the timeline of a tooth infection, its consequences of not attending to it, removing the possibility of life-threatening issues with timely action, alongside common symptoms and causes, and a breakdown of how to avoid complications.

What Is a Tooth Infection?

A bacterial buildup is what we call pus, and this can occur when a tooth or gum is injured in some way. Deep cavities, cracked teeth or severe cases of gum disease can lead towards an infection in a person’s mouth. Improper handling of the infection can cause it to spread into the root of a tooth and even into the bloodstream.

How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You? Like these can cause severe pain and discomfort while also factoring in massive swelling, but as of now, they are not life-threatening. But if proper attention is not paid towards this issue, it can slip away towards life-threatening complications.

Common Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

Recognising the signs of a tooth infection is critical for obtaining treatment promptly. The following are some common indicators:

Intense toothache, which may be throbbing or sharp
Swelling of the gums or facial areas around the affected tooth
Reddening and swelling of gum tissue
Bad odour or taste in the mouth
Increased sensitivity to hot and cold food or beverages
Fever, chills, indicating infection may be spreading

If you have any of these symptoms, don’t waste any time and consult a dentist right away. Taking steps promptly could restrict the infection from spreading to other regions of the body.

How Long Does It Take for a Tooth Infection to Become Dangerous?

How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You can spread to other locations, as an unchecked infection can advance in stages. The severity of a tooth infection depends on a person’s overall health, the location of the infection, and how it is treated.

Stage 2: Initial Infection Stage (Hours to Days)

In the first stage of infection, one can expect mild aches or discomfort in the vicinity of the tooth. While the pain might be unpleasant and the slightly inflammatory condition ‘periapical abscess’ is present, these infections are usually curable and pose only a low risk to life if detected early.

The infection, if left untreated, may begin to spread into the surrounding softer tissues within bones such as the jaw, face and neck. You may even notice some new areas of swelling or discomfort near these areas. If managed at this stage, the infection can also give rise to the formation of larger abscess, which requires surgical care like limb sparing osteotomy.

Patients encountering health challenges should attend to them immediately, as neglecting to do so sharpens their risk of an infection spreading even deeper. The infection might spread through the blood vessels, which would increase the probability of it impacting some organs.

Stage 3: Sepsis (Weeks to Months)

Failure to take care of dental problems can result in tooth infections progressing, which in turn leads to an infection in the bloodstream, and this is referred to as sepsis. This life-threatening inflammation can develop in a certain region and later extend in scope, consequently resulting in the heart, kidneys and other important parts of the body being affected. Some of the symptoms of Sepsis are as follows:

An increased pulse rate
Breathing problems
Chills alongside symptoms of a high fever
Low blood pressure
Loss of focus or memory

When left untreated, Sepsis can result in death or organ failure. Without needed attention, a tooth infection reaching this point might cause someone’s life to be cut short within hours or days.

Infrequently, there can be a set of complications which are life threatening if a tooth infection is not treated for an excessive amount of time. Failure to treat dental infections may result in the development of a brain abscess or a spreadable sickness that targets the heart, causing infective endocarditis. Although such things happening are rare, they do show the necessity of treating a tooth infection in a timely manner.

How Does a Tooth Infection Spread to Other Parts of the Body?

A tooth infection can spread to other areas of the body in a couple of ways:

Through the bloodstream (Bacteremia): If the infection passes into the bloodstream, it has the potential of reaching other places of the body including crucial organs like the heart, lungs or kidneys. This process is called bacteremia and as we’ve seen, it can trigger sepsis.

Through the sinuses: The upper teeth are situated very close to the sinus cavities. If the infection reaches these areas, it can cause a sinus infection or, more dangerously, meningitis (an infection of the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord).

Through nearby tissues: The infection can travel towards the jaw, face and neck area,s which could cause abscesses in those locations. In some extreme cases, the infection can reach the neck muscles and cause swelling, which leads to problems with swallowing and breathing.

Can a Tooth Infection Kill You Without Warning?

Though uncommon for a tooth infection to become fatal without any warning signs, certain scenarios may allow the progression of an untreated infection to strengthen rapidly. Factors which may heighten the risk of death from a tooth infection include:

Immunocompromised individuals: People suffering from diabetes, HIV, or even cancer are much more susceptible to contracting infections because of their already compromised immune systems.

Putting off treatment: Dental visits can be postponed for a considerable amount of time. This can lead to the infection spreading to other regions of the body.

Critical areas infection: Infections located around the brain, heart or any other vital region can very easily spiral into dangerous scenarios.

Fatal outcomes are uncommon but still not impossible. Being cautious and seeking professional care at the first indication of a tooth infection is always helpful.

How Can You Prevent a Tooth Infection from Becoming Life-Threatening?

The best way to avoid the severe complications of a tooth infection is to prevent it in the first place. Here are some proactive steps to maintain good oral health:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth.
Visit the Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups can help detect issues like cavities or gum disease early before they develop into serious infections.
Avoid Sugary and Acidic Foods: Foods and drinks high in sugar and acid can contribute to tooth decay, increasing the risk of infection. Minimise your consumption of these foods and drink plenty of water.
Treat Cavities and Cracked Teeth Immediately: If you notice any signs of tooth decay or a crack in your teeth, schedule a visit with your dentist right away to prevent the infection from developing.
Seek Treatment at the First Sign of Infection: If you experience any pain, swelling, or other symptoms of a tooth infection, don’t wait—contact your dentist for treatment right away.

What Happens During Treatment of a Tooth Infection?

When you visit a dentist for a tooth infection, they will evaluate the condition of your tooth and the extent of the infection. Depending on the severity, treatment options may include:

Antibiotics: If the infection is localised and not yet severe, antibiotics may be prescribed to help control the bacteria.
Root Canal Therapy: In many cases, a root canal is needed to remove the infected tissue from the inside of the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading further.
Abscess Drainage: If an abscess has formed, it may need to be drained to relieve pressure and remove pus from the infected area.
Tooth Extraction: If the tooth is too damaged, the dentist may recommend extraction to prevent the infection from spreading.

How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You? In severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary for intravenous antibiotics and other interventions, such as surgery to drain the infection.

Conclusion

A tooth infection, if left untreated, can escalate into a life-threatening situation. However, the timeline for a tooth infection to become fatal varies depending on the individual’s health and how quickly they seek treatment. The best way to avoid complications is to recognise the signs of infection early and seek prompt dental care. With proper treatment, most tooth infections can be easily treated, and severe outcomes can be avoided.

By practising good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly, and addressing any symptoms of infection immediately, you can ensure that your teeth remain healthy and avoid any serious complications. So, if you’re wondering “How long until a tooth infection kills you”, the answer lies in how quickly you take action. Don’t wait, your health is worth it.

Samantha Kindler

Samantha Kindler is a world traveler, with four continents conquered and three remaining. She lives in Hawaii, where she enjoys hiking and has the beach available to her throughout the year. She recently got the opportunity to spend over ten months in Korea and fell in love with their minimalist way of life. She has driven to 49 states with her father, but upon visiting Hawaii, she just wanted to stay.