Can a tooth infection be fatal? An infection in the tooth indicates that bacteria have entered the soft tissue and are causing damage. While an untreated tooth infection may seem like a minor inconvenience, the trust is that minor infection can grow into larger problems and even spread to other parts of the body. How long until a tooth infection kills you? Let’s find out!
Can a Tooth Infection Kill You?
A tooth infection can vary widely in the amount of time it takes to worsen and eventually become life-threatening. An untreated infection takes weeks to months to progress and become lethal; it does not happen quickly.
Like other infections, tooth infections can advance quickly and spread to other areas of the body in people with weakened immune systems. For example, people receiving chemotherapy or suffering from HIV, as well as those with chronic diseases like diabetes or kidney failure, need to treat tooth infections as soon as possible.
What Makes a Tooth Infection Life-Threatening?
Untreated dental infections can lead to potentially fatal consequences, such as:
Sepsis: a severe response happens as a result of the infection spreading throughout the body.
Endocarditis: An inflammation of the heart’s inner lining.
Necrotizing fasciitis: A dangerous disease that kills soft tissue in the mouth and other parts of the body.
Blood clots: Blood clots, especially in the sinuses, can occur as a result of infection. These clots might cause serious consequences since they are close to the brain and eyes.
Brain Abscess: Pus may occur in the brain region as a result of the infection spreading throughout the brain.
Osteomyelitis: A potentially contagious infection that starts in the bone tissue.
Risk Factors That Raise the Probability of Complications
Certain people are more likely to experience major side effects from severe tooth infections due to certain risk factors, including:
Older Age: People over the age of fifty are more susceptible to tooth infections that can develop into potentially fatal illnesses.
Malnourishment: With a lack of nourishment, the body as a whole becomes weaker and finds it more difficult to fight off diseases and their related consequences.
Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of developing serious dental infections, which can be deadly.
Immune Function: People with weak immune systems experience issues with their bodies’ defense mechanisms against infections. Consequently, there may be an increased chance of dental infection.
How to Treat a Tooth Infection?
It is important to treat any tooth infection as soon as possible. However, if you qualify for the above-mentioned risk factors that raise the possibility of a tooth infection killing you, you have to see a dentist ASAP!
Your dentist may suggest root canal therapy or tooth extractions according to your condition.
Final Say!
How long until a tooth infection kills you? Well, there is no specific timeline for a tooth infection to become fatal, but there are factors that increase the risk of it. The only way you can avoid a tooth infection spreading in your body is a regular dental checkup.
If you wish to get your tooth infection treated, visit us at Signature Smiles Dentistry. Book your appointment by calling (214) 307-4715 (Irving), (214) 307-4755 (Plano), or (469) 643-4155 (DeSoto).
