NEVER belittle an infected tooth.
A tooth infection can happen when bacteria enter the nerve or soft tissue of the tooth called the pulp.
Chances are, if you don’t get treatment for the infected tooth in time, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, maybe not right away but later. The result: potentially life-threatening complications.
When bacteria enter the pulp and left untreated even when symptoms appear, it could lead to dental abscess, the condition when pus builds up in the infected tooth.
Because the infection takes time to damage the pulp in the middle of the tooth, the abscess may take months to progress.
Old age is one risk factor for tooth infection. So is a compromised immune system. Or diabetes. Ditto for inadequate nutrition.
Will it kill? Not really, given the level of dental and oral health care today. If ever, it is extremely rare. And it won’t occur if dental treatment is given on time.
Although there was a time, up to the early part of the last century, when dental infections caused a significant number of mortalities.
Still, there are life-threatening complications that include mediastinitis when the space between the lungs is inflamed. Or when inflammation occurs in the heart’s inner lining called the endocardium.
Osteomyelitis, a bone tissue infection, is another complication. Or brain abscess when pus forms inside the brain.
Another possibility is Ludwig’s angina, a bacterial infection that affects the area underneath the tongue.
Then there’s necrotizing fasciitis, a severe infection that leads to soft tissue death in the body. Or cavernous sinus thrombosis when a blood clot of the sinuses, just under the brain and behind the eyes, occurs.
What are the symptoms of tooth infection? If symptoms persist, like a toothache that doesn’t go away, that’s when you should consult a dentist. As soon as possible.
When left untreated, the infection may spread to the neck, jaw and then brain. Then the more serious symptoms occur: difficulty in swallowing, breathing takes an effort, and it may even be difficult to open the mouth.
Other symptoms are swollen gums, bad breath and bad taste, a tooth sensitive to heat and cold, and tooth discoloration. At its worse, fever may develop, as well as malaise or not feeling well, headache, fast heart rate, nausea or even vomiting.
So there you are. Never take a tooth infection for granted.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; and Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.)/PN
