From Toothache to Life Threat: The Path of Untreated Dental Infections and Their Impact

A toothache may seem like a minor inconvenience, but when paired with a persistent throbbing or swelling, it’s often a sign of something more serious—dental infections.

If ignored, what starts as a mild toothache can turn into a potentially life-threatening situation.

Dental infections aren’t just about discomfort; they can cause irreversible damage to your health if left untreated.

Understanding Dental Infections and Their Causes

A dental infection, known as an abscess, develops when bacteria infiltrate the tooth or the soft tissues of the gums.

These infections usually develop when tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma leaves the tooth exposed to bacteria.

The result is a painful infection that causes inflammation and swelling in the affected area.

Common causes of dental infections include:

• Untreated cavities: Decay deep into the tooth can expose the pulp (the inner tissue), allowing bacteria to thrive.
• Gum disease: These conditions cause inflammation and infections of the gums and can spread to the teeth.
• Cracked or damaged teeth: Trauma or untreated fractures give bacteria an easy path to enter the tooth.
• Previous dental work: Even a filling or crown can become a source of infection if it doesn’t seal the tooth properly.

The Stages of an Untreated Dental Infection

When a dental infection is ignored, it doesn’t just go away. It progresses, becoming more severe with each stage.

1. Toothache and Swelling

At the start, you’ll likely experience a toothache—often a dull or sharp pain around the infected tooth. This is your body’s way of alerting you to the problem.

Along with pain, you might notice swelling around the gums or cheek, increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and discomfort when chewing.

Many people attempt to cope with the pain, hoping it will subside on its own. However, ignoring the symptoms at this stage allows the infection to worsen.

2. Abscess Formation

The infection can extend to the core of the tooth and gums and result in a dental abscess. This pocket of pus forms as the body tries to fight off the infection.

Abscesses can cause severe, throbbing pain, making eating, sleeping, or daily activities difficult. As the abscess drains, you might also experience a bad taste in your mouth.

At this point, antibiotics or dental procedures are typically necessary to clear the infection.

3. Spread to Jawbone and Surrounding Tissues

Without treatment, infection from the abscess may spread outside the tooth to the jaw’s bone.

The bacteria can cause osteomyelitis, a dangerous bone infection resulting in bone loss, chronic pain, and severe inflammation.

Your jaw may become swollen, tender, and warm to the touch. At this stage, the infection is no longer just a dental issue.

It has entered the bloodstream, which increases the risk of systemic infection.

4. Systemic Infection (Sepsis)

When a dental infection spreads through the bloodstream, it can lead to life-threatening sepsis.

Sepsis occurs when your body’s immune response to infection goes into overdrive, attacking not only the bacteria but also your tissues and organs.

The symptoms of sepsis involve acute temperature, tachycardia, altered mental status, and an overall feeling of weakness. Sepsis is a severe infection and can be life-threatening; it warrants urgent attention and medical intervention in a hospital.

If not addressed, septicaemia can result in organ failure, septic shock and death.

The Health Risks of Untreated Dental Infections

The complications of untreated dental infections go beyond the mouth:

• Heart Disease: There is growing evidence linking dental infections to cardiovascular issues. Severe cases may also lead to endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining as the bacteria spreads through the bloodstream from the infected tooth or gum. Inflammation caused by dental infections may also contribute to atherosclerosis or the narrowing of the arteries.
• Respiratory Infections: Mouth bacteria can easily be taken into the lungs; they can cause pneumonia or worsen pre-existing respiratory conditions like COPD. Infections that start in the mouth can directly affect the lungs, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.
• Diabetes Complications: Diabetes is categorised as a chronic medical condition, which renders patients more prone to infections, dental abscesses included. Additionally, untreated infections can make it harder to control blood sugar levels, creating a dangerous cycle.
• Brain Abscess: In rare cases, bacteria from a dental infection can spread to the brain, causing a brain abscess. This condition may cause neurological complications like seizures, headaches, or changes in mental function. Immediate medical intervention is necessary.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Early intervention is crucial in preventing dental infections from escalating into life-threatening conditions.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or signs of infection, don’t wait for it to pass. When your body tells you something is not well, dealing with it before it worsens and leads to other complications is advisable.

When you visit your dentist at the first sign of trouble, they’ll perform a thorough examination to identify the cause of your toothache.

Depending on how severe the infection is, the following treatment options may be available:

• Root canal therapy: To remove the tissue that has been damaged and stop future degeneration, the dentist may need to do a root canal procedure if the infection is inside the tooth.
• Drainage of abscess: In more severe cases, the abscess needs to be drained, and antibiotics need to be prescribed to clear the infection.
• Tooth extraction: If the infection has caused extensive damage to the tooth, removal may be the only option.

Toothache Management in Thornton

Don’t let a toothache turn into something more dangerous. Dental infections can spiral out of control if left untreated, putting your health and even your life at risk.

If you’re experiencing any signs of a dental infection, schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately.

At Thornton Dental, we’re committed to helping you maintain a healthy smile and overall well-being.

Contact us today at (02) 4966 2996 to book an appointment and protect yourself from the dangers of untreated dental infections.

Visit us at Thornton Shopping Centre, Shop 30/1 Taylor Ave in Thornton.