How Risky Is Untreated Dental Infection?
The oral cavity is full of bacteria, saliva, food particles, and plaque. With regular brushing and flossing, good oral hygiene can keep dental infections at bay. Dental infection does not occur with prior intimation and can be anyone’s nightmare. You might feel that oral infection is not a severe issue, but it can be terrifying and risky.
The Danger of Untreated Teeth Infection
A tooth infection can occur when the oral bacteria enter the soft tissues of the teeth, known as the pulp and the nerves and blood capillaries underlying the pulp. Untreated teeth and gum infections can spread to the other parts of your body within a few weeks and cause potentially life-threatening conditions and diseases.
As the infection develops within the pulp and blood capillaries, a pocket of pus called dental abscesses grows around the infected teeth. With the advancement in dental science, death from infected pulp is rare, but dental infections should not be taken lightly.
Teeth infection can become life-threatening when you leave the infection untreated. The pus that develops around the infected teeth contains dead tissues, germs, and white blood cells. Complications arise with the spread of infection.
Bacterial infection of the gums and teeth is different from a bacterial infection in other body parts. Without proper medication, dental infections do not go away on their own. It is essential to remove the source of the infection, and you should visit an emergency dentist near you to stop the spread of periodontal infection.
Symptoms Of Tooth Infection That Spread to The Body
Most people are unaware of the rapidness at which the infection can spread from the pulp and gums to other body parts. The cheek and tongue are the first to be infected. In worst cases, the infection can migrate from the oral cavity to the brain, which can be very dangerous. Even a chipped tooth can be the thriving ground of infection that can spread rapidly.
There are two types of dental abscesses-the periodontal and the periapical abscesses. The periodontal abscesses affect the gums and is caused due to the food leftovers trapped between the gums and the teeth. The infection can spread to the jawbones too.
The periapical abscesses occur within the teeth, and untreated dental cavities are the primary culprit. An injured or cracked tooth can also lead to periapical abscesses. It is better to visit the dental clinic to treat dental infections.
The following symptoms indicate that tooth infection is spreading to other body parts. A person with these symptoms needs the immediate attention of an Etobicoke dentist.
- Painful Mouth and tongue
- Nausea
- Fever
- Severe headaches
- Loss of vision or experiencing double vision
- Difficulties in breathing
- Drooping of eyelids
- Burning and itching sensation on the skin
- Swelling of the neck, face, and cheeks
- Experiencing severe confusion
Risk Factors & Complications from An Abscessed Tooth
Dental abscesses can be either periodontal or periapical, depending on the area of infection. Bacteria enter through the dental cavity or a chipped tooth and affect the pulp and underlying blood vessels, nerves, or tissues. The significant risk factors of an abscessed tooth are:
Dry Mouth: – An excessive dry mouth can increase the risk of teeth decay. Particular medication and aging can cause Dry Mouth.
Diet Rich in Sugar: – Frequent consumption of food and beverages rich in sugar as soda and sweets can lead to dental cavities that cause tooth abscesses.
Poor Oral Hygiene: – Ignoring oral hygiene is the primary cause of dental abscesses. Regular brushing and flossing can reduce the risk of teeth cavities and oral complications.
You need complete treatment to get rid of dental abscesses. You ran a high risk of severe complications with a weak immunity system and untreated dental abscesses. Untreated tooth abscesses can spread rapidly to the jaws, neck, and tongue. The development of sepsis cannot be ignored.
West Humber Dentistry treats complications of dental abscesses effectively. With over ten years of extensive experience in treating dental ailments with modern and advanced technology, you may book an appointment here and avail of our services. We offer patient-friendly care and same-day treatments to ensure you do not spend more time than needed at the clinic.