Rotting teeth can cause a range of issues throughout the body, ranging from stomach problems and inflammation to life-threatening sepsis. It is essential to have all signs of tooth rotting seen to by your dentist immediately to prevent serious health issues from developing.
Can a bad tooth make you sick? The short answer is yes, eventually. Poor oral health allows bacteria to build up in your mouth and potentially cause infections. An infection in the tooth is called an abscess, and if left untreated, it can have serious consequences.
tooth sensitivity – you may feel tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet. grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth. bad breath. an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Signs of bacteremia could be slight fever, nausea and distal infection. Rarely, bacteremia may resolve on its own. It also may progress into septicemia, a more serious blood infection that is always accompanied by symptoms such as chills, high fever, rapid heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting and confusion.
While it takes a long time for a tooth infection to become fatal, it's possible for a tooth infection to develop into sepsis if left untreated. Typically, this process takes a few months. And even though it may feel like your pain subsides when the abscess bursts, don't be fooled.
Bacteria will eventually get to exposed soft tissues in the pulp chamber when the decay is left untreated. This leads to an infection, which leads to excruciating toothaches. A tooth infection can spread to areas like the brain where it can be life-threatening.
An untreated cavity can lead to an infection in the tooth called a tooth abscess. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the inside of the tooth (pulp). This requires more extensive treatment, or possibly removal of the tooth. Carbohydrates (sugars and starches) increase the risk of tooth decay.
Non-removal of a dead tooth from your mouth is not wise because it can harm your remaining teeth and jaw, which is significantly dangerous. Depending on the extent and type of damage, the tooth may remain in your mouth for days, months, and even years before falling out by itself.
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may have sepsis, and you need to go to the emergency room or call 911 right away: Severe pain. A high fever. Shivering or feeling cold.
Dental sepsis occurs when the pulp chamber of the tooth is exposed to the oral cavity or external environment, allowing bacterial localization with resulting infection.
A tooth infection's symptoms include pain radiating to your jaw, ears, head, and lymph nodes. You can experience bad breath or a sour taste in your mouth. Your infection may be accompanied by a fever- your body's way of trying to fight it off.
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas that smells like rotten eggs and is produced by the bacteria in decaying teeth.
Dentists will always try to save a tooth when it's possible, but teeth that are too badly damaged may need to be removed to maintain your oral health. If you notice a problem with any of your teeth, it's important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
The best treatment for a rotten tooth depends on the time of diagnosis or if a cavity has formed. Doctors usually recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste or getting fluoride treatments during the early stages.
The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums
If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).
Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to the face and neck. Severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body. In some cases, they may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.
In dental infections, a CBC count with differential is not mandatory, but a large outpouring of immature granulocytes may indicate the severity of the infection. Blood cultures in patients who are toxic may help guide management if the course is prolonged.
Tooth Infection
Damage to the labyrinth, or the small, fluid-filled structure found in the inner ear that helps control balance, is generally the reason for dizziness. This is due to severe tooth infections that spread to the ear nerves. Other tooth infection symptoms include: Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold.
Sepsis can be divided into three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock.
Feeling Unwell and Fatigued
If you know you have a tooth infection and you begin just to feel lousy, and like you're coming down with something, you should see your dentist right away. Feeling unwell or just flat-out tired is an early red flag that shouldn't be ignored.