TL;DR
- Tooth infections are common, but can turn serious when the bacteria reach the pulp and surrounding tissue.
- Common causes include poor oral hygiene, untreated cavities, cracks or fractures and a weakened immune system.
- Some early signs of a tooth infection are severe and persistent pain, swelling in the gums and face, along with tooth sensitivity. Severe signs include fever, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
- A tooth abscess or infection takes months to progress. If left untreated, it can spread to the jawbone, sinuses and your bloodstream.
- Infections can be treated with antibiotics, root canals, extractions and drainage of the abscess, along with pain relief medications and cold compresses.
- Good oral hygiene habits, healthy eating habits and regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are some ways to prevent tooth infections.
How Long Until a Tooth Infection Kills You?
Tooth infections are fairly common, but most people don’t realize just how serious they can become if left untreated. So, how long until a tooth infection kills you? The truth is that while it’s very rare for a tooth infection to become deadly, leaving it untreated for weeks or months allows the bacteria to spread beyond your tooth.
Early symptoms include pain, swelling and sensitivity, but if not treated on time, severe complications may develop in your jawbone, sinuses and even your bloodstream.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection starts when bacteria enter the pulp (a soft tissue in the innermost part of the tooth) or the surrounding tissues. This condition, also known as a tooth abscess, affects nearly 200,000 Americans every year. An infection can occur in different areas near the tooth:
- A periapical abscess starts at the root tip
- A periodontal abscess happens in the gums and the sides of the root
- A gingival abscess is seen and localized in the gum area
Common Causes of Tooth Infections
Tooth infection occurs due to bacterial accumulation, mostly from poor oral hygiene or untreated dental issues. As per our specialists at Rivers Bend Family Dental, the most common causes include:
- Untreated cavities (dental decay)
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Advanced gum disease (periodontitis)
- Old or failed dental treatment
- Weak immune system
- Poor oral hygiene habits
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?
Tooth infection symptoms may vary from mild discomfort to severe complications, as follows:
Mild to Moderate Symptoms:
- Severe and persistent toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Swelling in the gums, jaw or face
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Tenderness when chewing
- Discoloration of the affected tooth
Severe Symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- General feeling of being unwell (malaise)
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck area
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heart rate
How Quickly Can a Tooth Infection Become Dangerous?
The amount of time it takes for a tooth infection to cause serious complications and, in rare cases, become life-threatening, depends on person to person. To better understand the dangers of tooth infections, let’s see how it progresses:
Timeline for Abscess Formation
Abscesses caused by untreated cavities or tooth decay can take several months to form, because it takes time for the decay to eat through the enamel (outer layer) and dentin (layer surrounding the pulp) before it reaches the pulp tissue in the center of the tooth.
If you chip, break or fracture your tooth, the infection can spread faster, and an abscess can develop in a matter of days to weeks instead of months.
Factors like overall health condition and immunity, along with oral hygiene, play an important role in how the infection progresses.
What Happens if an Abscess Goes Untreated?
Once an abscess develops, it does not heal on its own. Without proper treatment and intervention, the infection can spread beyond the tooth and gum tissue. Over time, it may reach the jawbone, neck or sinus cavities as well.
In very severe and rare cases, once the bacteria have entered the bloodstream, it can lead to serious complications such as:
- Cellulitis, which is a spreading skin infection
- An infection in the jawbone (osteomyelitis)
- Sepsis, which can be fatal
- Brain abscess or endocarditis are very rare complications in which infection spreads to the brain and heart.
This progression is why many patients ask, “How long until a tooth infection kills you?”. The truth is that while it is uncommon, ignoring symptoms can increase your risk.
Can a Tooth Abscess Turn Fatal?
So, can a tooth infection kill you? While it is extremely rare, tooth abscesses can turn fatal if left untreated for too long. Fortunately, with early and effective dental care, it can be prevented.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Developing a Tooth Infection
Some individuals have increased chances of developing a tooth abscess, such as:
- Individuals who have weakened immunity due to conditions like HIV, diabetes or those undergoing chemotherapy or steroid therapy
- Those who have chronic kidney and heart diseases
- Studies have shown that smokers are twice as likely to develop abscesses as compared to non-smokers
- Poor daily oral hygiene
- Malnutrition and poor diet
Professional Dental Treatments for Tooth Infections
Treatment depends on how severe the infection is and the condition of your tooth and surrounding tissue. Here are some treatment options:
| Treatment | Purpose |
| Antibiotics | Your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection from spreading further. |
| Root Canal | A root canal can treat the infection in your pulp and save your tooth. |
| Extractions | If your tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved, your dentist may extract the tooth to get rid of the infection. |
| Abscess Drainage | A small cut is made into the abscess, and the pus is drained out. |
To support professional treatment, you can take care of yourself at home. This can include:
- Over-the-counter medication for pain relief (as advised by your doctor)
- Saltwater rinses may help with discomfort
- Use a cold compress to help reduce swelling
- It’s important to attend all the follow-up appointments
As per our leading specialists at Rivers Bend Family Dental, avoiding dental care and treatment for a tooth abscess is unsafe, and relying on antibiotics alone to treat the infection without addressing the main cause may not fully resolve the infection.
How to Prevent Tooth Infections
Here are some tips to prevent tooth infections:
- Follow hygiene habits like brushing and flossing daily
- Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for general checkups
- Get professional teeth cleaning or scaling done once every 6 months
- Eat healthy and avoid sugary drinks and processed foods
- In case you have developed a cavity or have some tooth trauma, get it treated immediately
By practicing good oral hygiene and getting help at the earliest, you won’t have to worry about questions like how long until a tooth infection kills you.
The Bottom Line
So, how long until a tooth infection kills you? The answer depends on how quickly it’s treated or how long it’s left untreated. While tooth infections can be dangerous, they are preventable with early dental care and treatment.
At Rivers Bend Family Dental, our team is committed to making dental treatment convenient and stress-free with extended office hours, state-of-the-art equipment and quality dental care. If you have noticed signs like pain, swelling or fever, don’t wait. Our dentists offer safe treatments like root canals, extractions and professional cleanings to restore your oral health and smile.
Book an appointment with our expert dentist in ramsey today. You can call us at 763-576-1855 or visit our clinic at 14061 St Francis Blvd NW, Ramsey, MN 55303.
FAQs
How long can a tooth infection go untreated before it becomes dangerous?
This depends on the patient, but if left untreated, a tooth infection can spread within a few days or several weeks, depending on the cause and damage to the tooth.
What symptoms indicate that a tooth infection is becoming serious?
If you have developed a fever with chills, feel fatigued, or have substantial facial swelling, and are finding it difficult to chew and swallow, these could be signs that your tooth infection has become serious.
Can a tooth infection cause complications in the heart or brain?
Yes, in extremely rare cases, the bacteria can spread to your heart and brain, causing endocarditis or brain abscess.
What treatments are available for serious tooth infections?
The treatment options include root canals, antibiotics, extractions and abscess drainage. The exact treatment plan depends on the condition of your tooth and the infection.
How can I prevent tooth infections from becoming serious?
You will need to follow good oral hygiene, along with eating a healthy diet. Regular checkups with your dentist and professional teeth cleaning every 6 months are also essential for overall oral health.
