At first, you might think tooth pain isn’t a big deal. It’s just some harmless sensitivity that’ll fade with time, right? However, your toothache in Orange Park could be much more serious. In fact, it may show you have a life-threatening tooth infection. If so, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible for treatment. Read on to learn why a toothache can signal an infection, why a tooth infection can be fatal, and how an emergency dentist can help.
Your Toothache Could Signal an Infection
Among other things, a toothache is one of the potential signs of an infection. The latter occurs when plaque builds up around a tooth’s root due to a cavity, enamel decay, or gum disease. As a result of that buildup, a toothache can occur as your tooth’s nerve fights the infecting bacteria.
To know for sure if your tooth is infected, look for other symptoms like:
- Fever
- Bad Breath
- Cheek Swelling
- Pain in the Jawbone, Ear, or Neck
- Swollen Lymph Nodes in Your Neck
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Foods and Drinks
Tooth Infections Can Be Fatal
Over time, a tooth infection will spread to your jaw and the rest of your body. From there, you’re likely to experience one or more of the following:
Sepsis
Sepsis happens when your prior infection triggers a harmful chain reaction throughout your body. The condition’s symptoms include a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, shock, and an increase in rapid heartbeats.
According to the CDC, at least 1.7 million Americans develop it each year, and nearly 270,000 die as a result.
Respiratory Issues
At times, a tooth infection can spread into your lungs. This outcome is problematic, as the lung is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Left unchecked, the infecting bacteria will multiply quickly and make breathing hard for you. You’ll then be at risk of respiratory issues that lead to death.
Meningitis
A tooth infection can even trigger meningitis, an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. This disease is dangerous when untreated, especially if you have a weak immune system. The CDC reports that the condition’s death rate can be as high as 70 percent.
How an Emergency Dentist Can Help
Thankfully, an emergency dentist could treat your infection before complications occur. For instance, they might open up and drain the abscess if you see them early enough. The dentist could also perform a root canal that removes the infection while saving your tooth. At worst, though, they may have to extract the tooth to keep harmful bacteria from spreading.
What starts as a simple toothache in Orange Park can become downright lethal without care. Talk to your local dentist at once if you think your tooth pain points to an infection.
About the Practice
Crovatto & Edwards Family Dentistry is based in Orange Park, FL. Its team has the strength, skill, and passion for performing high-quality dental treatments for patients of all ages. As such, the staff offers preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including emergency treatments. They’re also well-versed in orthodontics and TMJ therapy. For more information or to book an appointment, you can reach them at their website or by phone at (904)-272-0800.