Death by toothache? It may sound extreme - but it’s possible.
Having a toothache is not only miserable, it could be putting you at some serious risk. According to Doctor of Dental Surgery Samuel O. Dorn, even mild or moderate pain can quickly turn into a potentially dangerous condition, known as an abscess. Though the pain may be merely annoying in the beginning, within a day or so, it can turn into the intense, throbbing pain or sharp, shooting pain that is the telltale sign of an abscess.
Red flags of a dental abscess may include sensitivity to eating, hot and cold, persistent bad breath, a swollen face, jaw and/or neck glands and a fever. Dr. Dorn says once the pain kicks in, people who have dental abscesses will often describe it as the worst they've ever experienced.
If you experience any of these symptoms, get help immediately. An abscess will not go away on its own, and it can cause death when the infection spreads to the brain or heart or when swelling cuts off the airway. The infection can spread as quickly as overnight, or take years to spread. Your dentist can diagnose an abscess in just a few minutes and treat it accordingly.
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