Never take for granted: tooth infection
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 the heart’s inner lining called the treatment for the infected tooth endocardium. in time, the infection can spread Osteomyelitis, a bone tissue to other parts of the body, maybe infection, is another complication. not right away but l ater. The Or brain abscess when pus forms result: potentially life-threatening inside the brain. complications. Another possibility is Ludwig’s
When bacteria enter the pulp angina, a bacterial infection that and l eft untreated even when affects the area underneath the symptoms appear, it could lead to tongue. dental abscess, the condition when Then there’s necrotizing fasciitis, pus builds up in the infected tooth. a severe infection that leads to
Because the infection takes time soft tissue death in the body. Or to damage the pulp in the middle cavernous sinus thrombosis when of the tooth, the abscess may take a blood clot of the sinuses, just months to progress. under the brain and behind the
Old age is one risk factor for tooth eyes, occurs. infection. So is a compromised What are the symptoms of tooth immune system. Or diabetes. Ditto infection? If symptoms persist, like for inadequate nutrition. a toothache that doesn’t go away,
Will it kill? Not really, given that’s when you should consult a the level of dental and oral health dentist. As soon as possible. care today. If ever, it is extremely When l e f t untreated, t he rare. And it won’t occur if dental infection may spread to the neck, treatment is given on time. jaw and then brain. Then the more
Although there was a time, up serious symptoms occur: difficulty to the early part of the last century, in swallowing, breathing takes an when dental infections caused a effort, and it may even be difficult significant number of mortalities. to open the mouth.
Still, there are life- threatening Other symptoms are swollen c ompli c a t i ons t hat i nc l ude gums, bad breath and bad taste, mediastinitis when the space a tooth sensitive to heat and cold, between the lungs is inflamed. and tooth discoloration. At its Or when inflammation occurs in 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.
*** 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 I mplantology. For questions on dental health, e- mail jdlim2008@ gmail. com or text 0917-8591515.)/ PN
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.