How long until a tooth infection kills you?

Infection of a tooth occurs when microbes – such as bacteria – enter into softer tissues called pulp of your tooth. This may show up when there is a decay of a tooth or due to an oral injury. An injury turns into an infection when bacteria gains access to this wound. With the progression of infections, pus forms around the tooth. In clinical terms, this is labelled as dental or oral abscess. How long until a tooth infection kills you? It is useful to know more.

Dental infections need to be treated in a timely manner. If you do not treat them, they may spread over to other sites. Abscess caused by decay of a tooth may take many months to worsen. The chief reason is: decaying needs a lot of time to reach the pulp; this is located at the center point of your tooth. However, trauma or an injury on a tooth may let microbes to gain entry soon. Beware of a chipped or a cracked tooth.

These are potential risks that cause bacteria to start moving in. Once an abscess forms, it may show up in the form of an internal swelling; this is often accompanied by pains near the infected tooth. These are the earliest signs to get to experience. It is a good practice to talk to a qualified dentist upon witnessing any of the aforesaid discomforts.

How long until a tooth infection kills you?

Research done on this show that death from an infection of a tooth may take a longer time span. Pains are known to persist for a few months. If you do not take proper treatment, it may turn into a clinical emergency. In some cases, people have treated tooth pains by taking antibiotic meds. Intake of such meds may not offer needful remedies to an abscess.

The dental decay also needs timely treatment. One of the typical treatments available for treating decay is root canal treatment. It can also be treated with an extraction, done by oral and maxillo-facial surgeons.

Death from a tooth infection occurs only when you have turned a blind-eye to a decayed condition for many weeks. If the condition is not treated, it is likely to spread to your neck, jaws as well as brain. At this stage, you may witness difficulties in opening the mouth, respiratory troubles like gasping or panting, problems in swallowing foods, etc.

Even at this stage if your intend not to treat your dental condition, it may lead to a fatal outcome. Death can occur either suddenly or after a few days’ time. People who are old i.e., aged above 55 years, those living with diabetes mellitus and leading a malnourished existence are at an added risk. Also, if your immunity system is compromised, the risks only go higher.

When to go to a dental clinic or a hospital?

Foremost of all, you need to know infections in your teeth do not go-off on their own. You are advised to seek medical assistance as soon as you sense some discomforts like pain and / or internal swelling. You need to take an appointment with a dentist if you witness a sharp pain near the infected tooth, reddening of your gums, bitter taste in mouth, etc.

In some people, signs include foul-smelling breath, tooth may turn sensitive or its discoloration. A few serious signs like persistent spells of migraines, inflammation of neck, eyes or face, faster rate of heart beats, etc., may also occur.

In all such instances, it is highly recommended to seek treatment from a dental clinic or a hospital on an urgent mode. To know more about how long until a tooth infection kills you, you are advised to talk to a certified dentist. Most importantly, it is essential to take needful guidance before a tooth infection turns into a bigger problem.

Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.