Can a Tooth Infection Kill You? Dentist Explains the Risks

Toothache, though seemingly minor, can cause significant pain and discomfort. When allowed to persist, a toothache can cause potentially life-threatening complications, which might result in a visit to the emergency room. Tooth infection typically develops due to poor oral hygiene, tooth decay, smoking, and poor dietary habits. Prevalence varies depending on the individual's oral and overall health. Certain conditions like diabetes, obesity, vitamin C deficiency, and hormonal fluctuations can predispose a person to many dental issues. This article explores the dangers of ignoring dental infections.

Confident smile, covered costs

• Find affordable dental insurance plans
• Compare quotes from top providers
• Licensed representatives available
• Get covered for cleanings, fillings, and more

Get a quote

On dentalinsurance.com

What are tooth infections?

A tooth infection can develop due to multiple modifiable risk factors, including tooth decay, dental trauma, improperly done dental work, and deep gum disease. Smoking, excessive consumption of sugar and carbonated drinks, poor oral health, and a weakened immune system can all contribute to developing tooth infections. Irrespective of why a tooth infection occurs, it all comes down to one common experience — tooth pain.

The most common cause of a tooth infection is tooth decay or dental caries (cavities). Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease of the dental hard tissues. Despite being easily preventable, the prevalence of caries remains high. According to a study published in The Lancet, dental caries ranked first among 328 diseases in terms of prevalence.

Cavities start when bacteria on a tooth break down sugars from food and produce acid. Over time, this acid leads to the breakdown of tooth enamel and underlying dentin — a process called demineralization. Eventually, the bacteria reach the tooth pulp, from where they can also spread to tissues surrounding the root, the surrounding soft tissues, and even deep into the bone. The infection can further spread into the bloodstream, leading to severe systemic infection. Additionally, complications caused by caries can worsen existing systemic diseases.

Alternatively, a tooth infection can also occur via the supporting structures of the tooth — the periodontium. Factors such as excessive smoking, misaligned teeth, and inadequate brushing can predispose a person to plaque and bacterial buildup. Bacterial activity mineralizes plaque into calculus, or hard tartar. Plaque and calculus buildup is the direct cause of gingivitis (gum disease), which if left untreated, proceeds to periodontal disease. Gingivitis is a reversible condition and can be prevented and treated with routine dental cleaning.

Once the infection reaches periodontal tissue, it can eventually reach the root canal, starting the process of tooth decay anew. At this stage, it can also cause soft tissue damage and extensive collagen and bone loss, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Signs to watch out for

The symptoms of a tooth infection can vary, depending on the extent and severity of the infection. Initially, one might experience sensitivity on intake of excessively hot or cold beverages. The intensity of sensitivity increases as the infection develops further. There also might be pain when biting down on food.

As the bacteria continue to grow, sensitivity transitions into tooth pain. This can manifest as a dull ache, sharp pain, or throbbing pain. If you experience throbbing, it might indicate that the tooth infection is spreading beyond the root. If left to persist, the infection can also damage the nerve endings in the root canal, leading to a stage where you no longer feel pain.

Severe soft tissue infection can cause swelling, foul taste, presence of pus in case of an abscess, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and continuous tooth pain.

In other words, the following symptoms may come in a sequence or appear one by one:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages
• Pain when biting down on food
• Tooth pain, which may be dull, sharp, or throbbing
• Numbness due to nerve damage
• Swelling
• Foul taste in the mouth
• Presence of pus (abscess)
• Fever
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Continuous tooth pain

Types of tooth infections

Generally, tooth infections are categorized into two main types depending on their location. However, there are additional classifications based on other factors that are not described here.

Pulpal: an infection within the tooth

When a healthy pulp is inflamed, it leads to a condition called pulpitis. In the early stages, this is reversible and requires only a dental intervention to remove the cause. However, if left untreated, the tooth can decay, leading to irreversible pulpitis, which typically causes a sharp pain triggered by cold food and beverages.

Sometimes, the infection can continue to develop without any symptoms at all. Depending on the extent of the decay, you may need either a dental filling or a root canal treatment.

Periapical: an infection surrounding the tooth root

As a pulpal infection progresses and spreads to the surrounding tissues, it can lead to periapical infections. One common type of periapical infection is a dental abscess. Infections may also originate in the gum tissue and spread to surrounding areas or remain localized and damage the tooth.

Additionally, failure to remove food stuck in the gums, as well as foreign bodies like hair or popcorn, can contribute to the development of a dental abscess.

Typically, a dental abscess causes severe symptoms such as swelling, pus discharge, foul taste, and a feeling that the affected tooth is elevated out of the socket. Seeking treatment as early as possible is essential to avoid the further spread of infection.

Why you shouldn't ignore a tooth infection: potential complications

It is important to treat a tooth infection as early as possible. Simply put, an untreated tooth infection can allow bacteria to spread further throughout the soft tissues and into the bloodstream. This can lead to serious complications:

• Deep soft tissue infection. A bacterial infection from an affected tooth can spread through the soft tissues and lead to a deep soft tissue infection called cellulitis, which requires emergency care.
• Cavernous sinus thrombosis. If an upper tooth infection is left untreated, bacteria may travel along the blood vessels and cause severe infection and clot formation near the brain, called cavernous sinus thrombosis. Though rare, it can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
• Ludwig's angina. If left untreated, a lower molar infection can sometimes spread to the salivary glands and potentially become life-threatening. This condition, known as Ludwig's angina, is a type of diffuse cellulitis. It can lead to difficulty in breathing and speaking and is considered a medical emergency.
• Osteomyelitis. An untreated dental infection, spreading into the bone tissue, can cause damage to the jaw bones leading to a condition called osteomyelitis. This is more common in the lower jaw and can result in a deep infection.
• Tooth loss. A severe dental infection, if it spreads deeper, can also lead to the loss of multiple teeth.

Can a tooth infection kill you?

Though it is a rare occurrence, a severe untreated tooth infection can have deadly complications if it spreads to vital organs via the bloodstream. Sepsis is a severe immune system reaction to an infection, which can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other pathogens. It can lead to organ failure and death.

Seeking prompt and early treatment for a tooth infection is crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Catching and addressing the infection early can prevent it from spreading. It is important not to ignore any dental issues and to consult a dentist immediately to avoid serious risks.

Seeking help for a tooth infection: when to see a professional

Prompt treatment can help you maintain your oral health. If you begin to experience any kind of toothache or sensitivity, it is advisable to consult a dentist immediately.

If you notice swelling, abnormal bleeding from your gums, or other mild symptoms related to your teeth, it's important to seek dental care as soon as possible.

However, if you experience any difficulty opening your mouth (trismus), or more severe symptoms, such as fever or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention from a medical professional or an emergency room. These symptoms may require specialized care beyond the scope of a dentist.

After a thorough oral examination, a dentist will diagnose the infection and explain the treatment plan. In addition to the dental procedures, you may also require antibiotic coverage and further medical attention.

Treatment options for tooth infections

The most important steps in treating a tooth infection are drainage and removing the source of infection. Common treatment options include:

• Medicated fillings
• Root canal therapy
• Drainage for tooth abscess
• Scaling and root planing
• Extraction of the offending tooth

Antibiotics are prescribed to help eliminate the bacterial infection and prevent its spread to other tissues; they act as an aid to the dental procedure. Analgesics are provided to manage discomfort and inflammation. Depending on the severity of the infection, multiple visits to the dentist may be required to fully resolve the issue.

Preventing tooth infections: maintaining good oral hygiene

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the best way to minimize your risk of dental infections is prevention.

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste for 2–3 minutes. You can use either a manual or an electric toothbrush, depending on personal preference.
2. Clean between your teeth with floss at least once a day.
3. Clear the buildup on your tongue regularly to prevent bad breath and infections.
4. Eat a fiber-rich diet and limit your intake of sugary foods, carbonated beverages, and alcohol.
5. Avoid smoking.

It is advisable to visit your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups. If you are predisposed to excessive plaque buildup, schedule regular dental cleanings.

Does dental insurance cover tooth infection treatment?

Delta Dental states that the coverage of dental insurance plans can vary. Some plans can cover routine dental examinations, X-rays, and even antibiotics. There are insurance plans that pay up to $100 for sudden dental pain to sound natural teeth, but you may be required to cover a portion of these costs yourself.

Most dental insurance plans have a maximum annual amount, beyond which the patient is responsible for covering additional expenses. Annual maximums typically range from $1,000 to $2,000.

It is advisable to contact your insurance provider to understand the details of your specific plan. Inquire about deductibles, co-payments, annual maximums, and any exclusions related to dental procedures.

Additionally, explore alternative payment options offered by some dental practices. For example, some practices provide discounts for uninsured patients. Asking about these options can help you better understand your treatment costs