If you’re like most people, you probably experience tooth pain every now and then. You might just take some over-the-counter pain relievers and forget about it once the discomfort subsides. Even though a toothache may not seem like a big deal, it’s possible that the tooth is infected, which could put your overall health at risk. In fact, brushing off a toothache might even prove deadly! Read on to learn what can happen when you ignore a toothache, signs that you have a tooth infection, and how to handle the situation.
The Dangers of Overlooking a Toothache
When a tooth becomes infected, the bacteria that have gathered inside and around the tooth may end up spreading. They could infect your surrounding teeth, gums, and other tissues in your mouth, but that’s not all. If bacteria access your bloodstream, they have the chance to wreak havoc on many areas of your body.
Some of the serious, potentially life-threatening complications of a tooth infection spreading throughout the body include:
- Sepsis – Sepsis is an extreme response to a bacterial infection in the bloodstream, which can weaken the immune system.
- Difficulty breathing – If bacteria from a tooth infection enter the lungs, they could make it hard to breathe. Worse, the lungs are an easy breeding ground for the bacteria to multiply.
- Ludwig’s angina – This occurs when the infection causes swelling in the throat and chest, resulting in difficulty swallowing and breathing.
- Endocarditis – The inner lining of the heart, called the endocardium, could become inflamed, increasing the risk of heart failure.
Do I Have a Tooth Infection?
Not all toothaches are caused by infection, but yours might be if your tooth pain is throbbing. You may also have one if your pain is accompanied by:
- Red or swollen gums
- A persistent foul taste in your mouth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Dark discoloration of the tooth and nearby gums
What Should I Do When I Have a Toothache?
The best thing to do when your tooth hurts is to call your dentist. They’re the experts when it comes to diagnosing and relieving tooth pain. Over the phone, they’ll ask you about your symptoms and let you know what to do next. This typically involves coming into their office right away.
If your dentist’s office isn’t open and you can’t reach a member of their team, then you can head to the nearest emergency room. While the doctors there are most likely not dental professionals, they can at least manage your pain and/or provide antibiotics to prevent the infection from worsening. Then, get in touch with your dentist as soon as you can.
Deaths from tooth infections are rare these days, but there’s still a chance it could happen to you. To be on the safe side, call your emergency dentist when you have a toothache to receive the expert, potentially lifesaving care you need!
About the Author
At Coco Dental, Dr. Sujal Patel provides same-day care for patients with dental emergencies, including toothaches. With more than a decade of experience in the dental field, he’ll get your smile back on track right away. His practice offers Saturday appointments for convenience, and they currently have a special offer for a $29 emergency visit, including exams and X-rays. If you need fast care for your toothache, call Coco Dental at 972-818-5649.