To many, having a toothache might not seem like a big deal. Especially if it’s pretty minor, this may come off as something that you can just put off until it’s convenient for you to have it treated. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Though toothaches aren’t always dangerous, leaving them untreated may allow them to develop into something more serious, especially if the pain is caused by an infection. Read on to learn about what causes teeth to become infected, the symptoms, and the dangers of leaving it untreated.
What Causes Teeth to Become Infected?
Tooth infections occur when bacteria get into a tooth. This is often the result of a chip, crack, or cavity. Poor oral hygiene is the most common cause, but consuming too many sugary foods and beverages or dry mouth can also increase your risk of a tooth infection.
If you don’t have a cracked tooth treated with a dental restoration like a filling or a crown or an existing restoration becomes damaged, this will compromise the health of the tooth. Over time, the infection may end up spreading to other parts of your body, which can lead to a range of oral and overall health conditions.
9 Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?
There is a variety of signs that your tooth might be infected. A few common ones that you should keep an eye out for include:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- A foul taste in your mouth
- Swelling of the cheeks
- Throbbing tooth pain
- Pressure sensitivity
- Intense jaw pain
- Bad breath
- A fever
What If an Infected Tooth Is Left Untreated?
Now that we’ve established what some signs are that a toothache may be caused by an infection, what if you decide not to have it treated? A few ways that leaving a tooth untreated may do some serious harm to your body include:
- Sepsis – This occurs when bacteria get into the bloodstream. This weakens your immune system and makes you more susceptible to other infections that you would usually be able to fight off. Signs that you may have sepsis include shock, a high fever, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Respiratory issues – Your lungs can be affected by the bacteria from a tooth infection. If this happens, it creates a breeding ground for said bacteria to multiply. This can make it hard for you to breathe and may cause respiratory problems.
- Ludwig’s angina – If the infection in the tooth spreads to the chest and throat, it can cause swelling in those areas. This will make it difficult to swallow, breathe, and may even cause you to suffocate.
You may think that a tooth infection isn’t that serious, but it can be the difference between a healthy smile and an unhealthy body. If you have a toothache, contact your dentist as soon as possible to receive the treatment you need!
About the Practice
Drs. Praveena Muddana and Sumit Chanana lead the highly-skilled team at Bright Smiles Family Dentistry. They enjoy assisting patients on their oral health journey by offering a wide range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dental services. Do you want more information or to schedule a consultation with the team at Visit Bright Smiles Family Dentistry? If so, you can visit their website or call their office at (262) 563-9100 to get started.