Tooth infections are a common dental problem that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. While death from a tooth infection is rare, it is still possible.
In this blog post, we will discuss the risks associated with a tooth infection, how long it takes for a tooth infection to kill you, and how to prevent it.
Table of Contents
How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You?
It takes 6 weeks to 18 months for a tooth infection to spread to other parts of the body, but when it does, severe health complications take place. This could lead to one’s death — so it is better to get immediate treatment if you suspect tooth infection.
The timeline of a tooth infection depends on various factors like the individual’s type and severity of the infection and more. While there is no exact answer to how long it takes for a tooth infection to kill you, it can turn life-threatening in a matter of days to weeks if left untreated.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, is a bacterial infection that affects the pulp of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria enter the pulp, it can cause an infection that can spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of a tooth infection include:
- Severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Swelling in the face or cheek
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Risks Associated with a Tooth Infection
When a tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and cause severe complications. The infection can spread to the jawbone, sinuses, and bloodstream, where it can cause further complications.
Factors that increase the risk of serious complications from a tooth infection include:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Malnourishment
- Being immunocompromised
Life-Threatening Complications Due to a Tooth Infection
When a tooth infection spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause life-threatening complications. Some of these complications include:
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when a growing infection triggers an onslaught of serious symptoms, including fever, difficulty breathing, or trouble swallowing.
- Ludwig’s angina: Ludwig’s angina is a rare, life-threatening bacterial infection that occurs in the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. It can cause swelling and difficulty breathing.
- Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is a rare but serious complication of a tooth infection that occurs when the infection spreads to the jawbone. It can cause bone loss and severe pain.
Prevention of Tooth Infections
The best way to prevent a tooth infection is to practice good dental hygiene. This includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing daily
- Using mouthwash
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks
- Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings
If you have a cavity or other dental problem, it is important to get it treated as soon as possible to prevent it from turning into a tooth infection.
Treatment of Tooth Infections
The treatment of a tooth infection depends on the severity of the infection. In most cases, a root canal procedure is needed to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to help fight the infection. In severe cases, the tooth may need to be extracted to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.
Can A Tooth Infection Spread
Yes, a tooth infection can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. Without prompt and proper care, a tooth infection can spread to local tissues and, with enough time, to the rest of the body.
Severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body, and in some cases, such infections may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.
Natural Way Of Treating Tooth Infections So It Does Kill You
- Saltwater Rinse: Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater solution can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 1/2 cup of warm water and swish it around in your mouth for a couple of minutes.
- Garlic: Garlic has natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties, making it useful for treating tooth infections. You can create a simple garlic paste and apply it directly to the affected area.
- Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, such as tea tree oil, clove oil, and oregano oil, have antibacterial properties that may help kill off the bacteria causing the infection. Dilute the oil with a carrier oil and apply it to the affected area.
- Herbal Teas: Herbal teas, such as oregano and fenugreek tea, can help fight off the infection and reduce symptoms. These teas have antibacterial properties that may help enhance healing.
- Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel has powerful antibacterial properties that can help fight off the infection. You can apply the gel directly to the infected tooth or gums using a clean finger or a cotton swab.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has natural antibiotic and antiseptic properties, making it useful for treating tooth infections. You can mix a teaspoon of turmeric with a few drops of water to produce a paste and apply it to the affected area.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide may help relieve pain and inflammation. Mix it with water and use it as a mouthwash.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda can help in reducing the acidity in your mouth and prevent the growth of bacteria. You can make a paste by mixing a small amount of baking soda with water and apply it to the affected area.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract contains alcohol, which can help numb pain. Its proven antioxidant properties also make it an effective remedy for toothache pain.
What Is The Difference Between A Gum Abscess And A Tooth Abscess
| Gum Abscess | Tooth Abscess |
|---|---|
| An infected pocket of tissue in the gums | An infection inside the tooth |
| Two main types: gingival and periodontal | One type: periapical |
| Gingival abscesses only occur in the gum tissue | Occurs inside the tooth |
| Periodontal abscesses occur in the space between the teeth and the gums | Pus builds up at the root tip in the jaw bone |
| May occur due to another infection in the mouth, such as an abscessed tooth or an infection in a periodontal pocket | Caused by tooth decay, periodontal disease, or a crack in the teeth |
| Treatment may include antibiotics, drainage of the infection, or cleaning the space between the tooth and the gum if the cause is from gum disease | Treatment may include root canal treatment or extraction |
| Home remedies may help treat the symptoms, but the abscess will need treatment and drainage from a dentist | Drainage of the bacteria from the pocket is necessary, and antibiotics may be prescribed afterward |
Conclusion
A tooth infection can be a serious dental problem that can lead to severe complications if left untreated. While death from a tooth infection is rare, it is still possible. It is important to seek prompt care if you suspect that you have an infected tooth.
By following good dental hygiene practices and seeking timely treatment, you can prevent tooth infections and avoid the risks associated with them.
