How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You?

The Timeline of an Untreated Tooth Infection

While each infection has its own parameters and unique timeline, there are some typicalities that can be discussed about how they might go and cases that have appeared in the past. The timeline below is for edification only, and the timeline of your infection or the infection of a loved one may be significantly different. 

As always, it is important to see a dentist right away for any tooth or gum infection. The question to ask yourself is not, “How long can a tooth infection go untreated,” but “How fast can I get to a doctor or dentist?”   

• 1. Initial infection: The initial infection begins with the onset of pain, sensitivity in the teeth, gums, and/or jaw, and initial swelling around the site of the infection. You may also experience redness and some minor pus formation. If you experience these symptoms, it’s best to see a dentist right away. 
• 2. Abscess formation: In the next stage, a localized pus pocket develops in the tooth, gums or jaw. People in this stage generally experience persistent pain, and potential facial swelling. Areas of infection may also be red or feel hot to the touch. At this stage you may also begin to have a fever. In this case, you should see a doctor or dentist immediately and consider going to the hospital. 
• 3. Transmission: In this stage, the bacterial infection can begin to spread from the affected tooth into surrounding soft tissue, bone, or even the bloodstream. Patients will usually have a fever, and may feel sickly with flu-like symptoms and fatigue. This stage can have major consequences if you do not get to a doctor or a hospital immediately, and is often the cause for calling 911.  
• 4. Potentially fatal consequences: At the last, critical stage, systemic complications arise and can be fatal. This is also known as sepsis, a potentially deadly, body-wide infection spread through the blood. If you or someone you know are experiencing symptoms of a system-wide infection, call 911 immediately in no uncertain terms. 

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How Tooth Infections Spread and What To Look For

Tooth infections are primarily spread first from the tooth or gums into the jaw or neck. In some cases, they can also travel through the blood stream or lymphatic system. All tooth infections are considered serious, but those that spread through the blood can be deadly. 

Recognizing the early signs of a tooth infection can be critical to your health.

Signs of a Spreading Tooth Infection 

Key symptoms of a tooth infection spreading include:

• Fever and chills
• Increased swelling in the face, jaw, or neck
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty swallowing or difficulty breathing/trouble breathing
• Severe, throbbing pain that doesn’t subside
• General malaise, fatigue
• Red streaks on the skin near the infection

How Infection Spreads to the Blood 

Tooth infection sepsis risk can be a major concern. Bacteria from the infected tooth can enter the bloodstream, leading to a systemic bacterial infection (bacteremia) and potentially sepsis.

We want to emphasize that this is a severe reaction requiring immediate treatment. People die from sepsis every year. However, if you get to a hospital quickly, the infection can usually be treated with IV antibiotics and lives can be saved with few lasting complications. 

How Infection Spreads to the Brain 

The brain can become infected through a tooth infection by bacteria traveling from the jawbone or sinuses to the brain or cranial cavity, forming a brain abscess or leading to blood clots. This is known as cavernous sinus thrombosis. These complications in the brain can produce neurological symptoms including seizures, severe headaches, coma, and confusion. 

Again, we want to stress, these complications are dire and you should get to a hospital or call 911 immediately. 

Life-Threatening Complications of Untreated Dental Infections 

A whole host of complications can accompany a tooth infection, if left untreated long enough. Those complications can include: 

Sepsis: An Immune Response Gone Wrong 

Sepsis is one of the main dangers of untreated dental infections. It is the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection. It is a full body response to a major infection, and needs to be treated with the utmost caution and care. People die from sepsis every year. 

Signs include: 

• High fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Confusion
• Extreme pain
• Shortness of breath

When you have a tooth infection, how long before sepsis sets in can vary, but once it has, it’s always an emergency.

Brain Abscess: Bacteria Reaching the Brain

Brain abscess are a collection of pus in the brain that is a result of infection reaching the cranium and spinal fluid or brain. 

Symptoms include: 

• Severe headache
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Neurological changes
• Seizures

Ludwig’s Angina: A Threat to Your Airway 

Ludwig’s Angina is a rapidly spreading cellulitis (infection of soft tissue) of the floor of the mouth and neck. 

Signs and symptoms of Ludwig’s Angina include: 

• Swelling under the tongue
• Neck pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling 

In no uncertain terms, this is an airway emergency.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A Rare but Deadly Blood Clot

This serious complication is a blood clot in the cavernous sinus (a large vein behind the eyes). It often originates from facial infections like those in the teeth or gums.

Symptoms include:

• Severe headache
• Eye swelling
• Vision changes
• Neurological deficits

Endocarditis: Inflammation of the Heart 

Endocarditis is an inflammation of the heart’s inner lining, often caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream from an untreated infection. 

Symptoms include: 

• Fever 
• Fatigue
• Heart murmurs
• Shortness of breath

Risk Factors for Severe Complications 

• Age: Older age can increase infection vulnerability due to a potentially weaker immune system or pre-existing conditions.
• Compromised immune system: Conditions like HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or immunosuppressant medications can hinder the body’s ability to fight off a bacterial infection, leading to severe complications.
• Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes can impair healing and immune response, making individuals more susceptible to developing tooth infections and their spread.
• Malnutrition: Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to combat dental infection.
• Other chronic conditions: People with other chronic conditions like heart or kidney disease may have higher risk factors for serious consequences from untreated dental infections.

How To Treat a Tooth Infection: Your Path to Recovery

When To Seek Immediate Dental Care

You should see a dentist for any prolonged or severe tooth pain, especially if accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing.

Professional Treatment Options for an Infected Tooth

• Drainage of the abscess: A dentist can drain the pus to relieve pressure and remove bacterial infection.
• Root canal treatment: Root canal treatment is a procedure to remove the infected and damaged portions of the tooth’s pulp, save the affected tooth, and prevent further spread.
• Tooth extraction: Tooth extraction as a last resort if the infected tooth cannot be saved.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics help the body fight bacterial infections, and are often prescribed in conjunction with other treatments.

Don’t Wait: Protect Your Oral Health Today

An untreated tooth infection can literally spell your death. Seek dental care at the first signs of a dental abscess or tooth pain.

If you have any of the symptoms or issues above, call us at Absolute Dental immediately, your trusted Las Vegas oral health resource.

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