Crunch Time: The Dangers of Ignoring a Toothache

People sometimes don’t think that a problem with a tooth can affect the rest of the body, but nothing could be further from the truth. The skeletal system, which includes teeth, is made of living tissue, and, if left unchecked, a toothache can lead to health consequences on a larger scale. While knowing that prevention is the best medicine, read on to learn about signs that suggest a toothache might become a bigger issue in need of immediate medical care.

How Can a Toothache Be Fatal?

A toothache is painful. It might be a constant sort of throbbing, or it might throb once in a while. If left untreated, it can lead to infection. If a toothache lasts longer than a day, consult with a dentist.

The tooth is a complex structure. Beneath the enamel is a system of nerve endings, soft tissue, and blood vessels that lead to the rest of the body. The tooth is also full of all sorts of nutrients that bacteria love. If a tooth becomes infected, that infection can eventually spread to other parts of the body. If this leads to conditions like sepsis or endocarditis, it can be fatal.

How Can I Tell if I Have an Infected Tooth?

A tooth can become infected when bacteria enter it through a cavity, crack, or chip usually caused by poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, or high sugar consumption. An infected tooth will require the immediate attention of a dentist and might exhibit some of these symptoms:

• Throbbing pain in the tooth, jawbone, ear, or neck, usually on the same side as the infection.
• The pain gets worse when lying down.
• Sensitivity to pressure, heat, and cold.
• Swelling in the cheek or lymph nodes.
• Bad breath or unpleasant taste.

How Can I Tell if the Infection Has Spread?

If the infected tooth goes untreated and the infection spreads to the rest of the body, go to the emergency room as soon as possible. Symptoms in this case can include:

• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Dehydration.
• Stomach pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Increased heart or breathing rate.
• Chills, sweating, or skin flushing.
• Swelling of the face to the point where breathing, swallowing, or opening the mouth becomes difficult.

Thanks to modern dental medicine, deaths from infected teeth are rare. This does not mean that an infected tooth is not a miserable experience until it is cured. As with everything else, prevention is the best medicine. You can minimize your chances of sustaining a toothache that can lead to infection by practicing good oral hygiene (brushing twice, flossing once daily) and avoiding the habitual consumption of sugar. If you have a persistent toothache, your dentist will be able to advise you on your best next steps.

About the Practice

Dolfield Dental of Owings Mills serves its Maryland community with compassion and lots of heart. Led by Drs. Jacob Milner, DDS, and Cynthia Miller, DDS, the practice provides oral health services including preventative dentistry, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, dental implants, and sleep apnea therapy. For more information on preventative maintenance for your teeth, contact the office online or dial (410) 902-4110.