A toothache may seem like a minor annoyance, something you can tough out with pain relievers or hope will disappear on its own. But ignoring a persistent or severe toothache can be much more dangerous than many people realize. In fact, untreated dental infections have the potential to spread beyond the mouth and lead to life-threatening complications. Understanding the risks can help you take tooth pain seriously and seek treatment before it becomes a true emergency.
A Toothache is Often a Sign of Infection
Most toothaches don’t happen without a reason. When decay reaches the inner pulp of a tooth or gum disease causes deep pockets around the roots, bacteria can invade the tissues and create an infection. At first, the pain may come and go. But as the infection progresses, the discomfort often becomes more intense, throbbing, or constant.
An infected tooth will not get better on its own. Without treatment—typically a root canal, deep cleaning, or extraction—the infection continues to spread, damaging bone and surrounding tissues.
Infections Can Spread to Other Parts of the Body
The mouth is connected to many vital structures. If harmful bacteria escape from an infected tooth, they can travel to other areas, causing serious complications such as:
- Ludwig’s angina: A deep neck infection that can cause swelling under the tongue and block the airway.
- Sinus infections: Upper tooth infections can spread into the sinuses, causing severe congestion, pressure, and fever.
- Sepsis: If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to a life-threatening systemic infection.
- Brain abscesses: Though rare, infections from upper teeth can spread to the brain—a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
While fatal complications from tooth infections are uncommon today, they still happen, especially when infections are left untreated for too long.
Pain Relief Doesn’t Mean the Problem is Gone
Many people assume their toothache has resolved when the pain stops. In reality, this can be a sign that the nerve inside the tooth has died. The infection, however, often continues silently, spreading to the bone and surrounding tissues without causing immediate discomfort.
This “quiet progression” is one of the reasons tooth infections can become so severe before patients realize the seriousness of the situation.
When to See a Dentist
You should never ignore a toothache that lasts longer than a day or two, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling, fever, sensitivity, a bad taste in your mouth, or difficulty opening your jaw. These signs often point to a spreading infection that needs prompt attention.
While not every toothache is a medical emergency, ignoring one can be a fatal mistake. Seeking timely dental care is the best way to stop an infection early, relieve pain, and protect your overall health.
About the Practice
Has it been 6 months or longer since your last dental checkup? If so, why not come visit our expert team at Bradford Dental Care for the very best in preventive care? After all, we’ve been serving the Haverhill community for more than 60 years with dentists who believe in providing conversative treatment and stopping problems before they start. And it’s not just adults – we have all-inclusive dental services for children, too! Come see why we’re a trusted provider of great treatment for your smile. Schedule an appointment online or call (978) 372-0600.