Can Tooth Infections Be Deadly?

Tooth pain is something that the majority of us experience throughout our lives, and there are certain times when it’s seemingly unbearable! But are there ever instances when these pesky little aches can become life-threatening? Believe it or not, the underlying causes for the pain can sometimes progress into serious or even fatal circumstances. Keep reading to learn more from your emergency dentist in Coatesville about tooth infections and how they have the potential to cause deadly problems, along with some helpful tips for preventing them entirely.

Common Causes of Tooth Pain

Technically speaking, tooth pain is the result of the nerves in your mouth sending signals of discomfort to your brain. This distress can occur for several different reasons, but a few common explanations include:

• Tooth decay – This is the cause of most toothaches, and it’s often triggered by harmful oral bacteria.
• Damaged tooth – If you sustain a facial injury, it might result in a chipped, cracked, or otherwise fractured tooth that could cause oral pain.
• Gum disease – As bacteria gets trapped underneath the gumline, it causes the gum tissue to become swollen and tender. If left untreated, it can lead to pain as well as other oral health issues.
• Wisdom teeth eruption – As your wisdom teeth erupt from your gums, you’ll usually experience some discomfort, especially if they become impacted.
• Abscess or infection – These problems often result from other issues remaining untreated; patients often experience severe pain accompanied by symptoms like swollen gums, bad breath, and more.

When Can Tooth Pain Be Life-Threatening?

It’s worth noting that the pain from a toothache itself cannot kill you; however, if the pain is stemming from an untreated infection, there is a small chance of a fatal complication. These nasty infections can easily travel beyond the mouth and threaten things like your immune system, cardiovascular system, and even vital organs. It can even escalate into very serious issues including sepsis.

That said, if you’re experiencing symptoms that might indicate an abscess or infection, you should contact your emergency dentist immediately. They’ll be able to inspect your mouth, determine the root of the issue, and prescribe the appropriate treatment. If an infection is present, you’ll likely be given an antibiotic to eliminate or reduce it.

Helpful Tips for Preventing Tooth Infections

Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can actively prevent tooth infections and protect your overall health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, ideally with a soft-bristled toothbrush coupled with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day; this habit is just as important as brushing!
• Drink plenty of water and try to reduce your intake of sugary drinks.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
• Visit your dentist for regular preventive care.

Not every toothache will seem serious; however, they can have some dangerous consequences if they remain untreated! That said, you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your emergency dentist in Coatesville if you’re concerned about tooth pain.

About the Author

Dr. Mark Simeone received his dental doctorate from Temple University’s Kornberg Dental School and has proudly served patients and families in the Coatesville, PA community for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments. If you have any questions about the article or need to schedule an appointment, you can contact his practice online or over the phone for additional assistance: (610) 383-1600.