How long until a tooth infection kills you? Most people just do not understand the importance of good oral health. We pay too much attention to other regions of the body without ever remembering that the mouth is the entry point into health.
It’s not only smiling that makes an infectious smile; chewing, speaking, and even digesting are all influenced by oral hygiene. Your teeth and gums directly affect eating and speaking, but more importantly, bad teeth are related to problems with your heart, liver, and other organs.
Don’t take care of your teeth; you could have serious diseases. His post will be more in-depth about how quickly an infection can progress in your tooth, the signs and symptoms you must watch for, and why you shouldn’t ignore a dental problem.
If they know the dangers and react appropriately, patients can avoid severe issues and not risk harming their health by maintaining healthy teeth.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection or dental abscess is a pus-filled sac caused by a bacterial infection. This infection usually occurs if bacteria infect the tooth from a cavity, crack, or trauma.
The tooth infection might include an extreme toothache, gum swelling, fever, foul breath, and sometimes visible pus around the tooth.
Without treatment, the infection can infect the tooth and affect your whole body.
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How Tooth Infections Can Spread
If untreated, infections can spread from the tooth to the surrounding tissues and bones. They can lead to cellulitis (skin infection), osteomyelitis (bone infection), or even a face or jaw abscess. At times, they can spread into the blood, and a condition called sepsis can occur.
A tooth infection can also spread to other vital organs, such as the heart and brain, resulting in endocarditis (a lining infection of the heart) or a brain abscess. Such problems are lethal when not treated early.
How long until a tooth infection kills you? Untreated infections can quickly spread, causing severe complications like sepsis or organ failure. Visit Dexans for tips on preventing and treating tooth infections before they become life-threatening.
The Timeline of a Tooth Infection
Depending on the severity of the infection, the individual’s general condition, and the treatment provided, it can take different times to treat a tooth infection.
- Early Stage (A Few Days to a Week)
In the initial phase, the infection stays behind in the tooth and gums. It can be painful, swollen, and irritable. While the infection can advance if left unchecked, it is not ordinarily fatal at this point. But left untreated, the infection will get out.
- Mid-Stage (1-2 Weeks)
If left untreated for a week or two, the infection will travel out from the tooth and lead to other issues, like cellulitis, a swelling face, or an abscess in the jaw. The disease can also progress into the deeper tissue and possibly into the bloodstream, leading to sepsis.
- Late Stage (Several Weeks to Months)
Continually disseminating infection can progress to major organs, such as the brain or heart, leading to brain abscesses, meningitis, or endocarditis. These issues usually appear untreated after weeks or months of the infection running its course.
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Risks of Delaying Treatment
If a tooth infection is not treated quickly, it is more likely to spread to other body parts. Infections in the bloodstream can lead to sepsis, where the body’s immune system creates extensive inflammation.
Sepsis can result in organ failure, shock, and even death if not immediately responded to. Infections of the brain or heart can also cause chronic damage or death.
Whether they will survive and recover depends on the severity of the illness, the time taken to identify it, and the individual’s health. Those with poor immune systems like people with diabetes or heart disease – are more at risk for serious complications.
How long until a tooth infection kills you? Left untreated, a tooth infection can spread quickly, leading to life-threatening complications. Stay informed with Dexans on how to prevent and treat infections before they become fatal.
What Happens if a Tooth Infection is Left Untreated?
If the tooth infection goes untreated, the bacteria can migrate throughout the bloodstream and into other organs. Among the most severe are:
- Sepsis: If bacteria are present in the bloodstream, sepsis can develop into systemic infection and organ failure. If left untreated, sepsis can kill within hours or days.
- Brain Abscesses: An untreated dental infection may spread through the bloodstream to the brain, causing an abscess (puff). Brain abscesses cause neurological signs and can, if left untreated, be fatal.
- Endocarditis: A tooth infection can get into the heart and infect its lining. If not prevented, endocarditis can destroy heart valves and cause death.
How Can a Tooth Infection Be Prevented?
Prevention is the secret of avoiding tooth infection. The most straightforward steps to protect yourself are:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss twice daily to remove plaque and cavities.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Make sure to go to your dentist for regular professional dental cleanings and examinations so that you can spot the problems before they arise.
- Early Treatment: Address cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems early to prevent infection from growing.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Check with your dentist or doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Pus or fluid draining from the affected tooth
If you treat the infection right away with antibiotics or a root canal, you can ward off an infection that could lead to major complications.
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Conclusion (How long until a tooth infection kills you)
How long until a tooth infection kills you? Tooth infections aren’t just a minor annoyance. Left untreated, they can replicate in other tissues and result in deadly outcomes: sepsis, brain abscesses, or heart attacks.
The period it takes for a tooth infection to cause death varies, but if you think you have an infection, you must go to the doctor immediately.
By keeping your mouth clean, visiting the dentist regularly, and getting treated at the earliest symptoms, you can save yourself from the harmful effects of a tooth infection and your health.
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