Can a cavity kill you, you may have had your dentist or family members warn you about the dangers of having one untreated for too long. But do cavities really kill people? What does too long mean, anyway? In this article, we explain how tooth infections work and when they can become life-threatening, as well as how to get treated in time to prevent that from happening.
Where Do Cavities Come From?
When you eat or drink, bacteria in your mouth mix with saliva to form plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove than plaque and can only be removed by a dentist. If tartar isn’t removed, it can lead to cavities.
Cavities are holes in your teeth that form when the tooth enamel breaks down. Enamel is the hard, outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay. When cavities form, the inner layers of your teeth are exposed and can become infected. Infected cavities are also called dental caries. In some cases, an infection can spread through your gums and jawbone, resulting in an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth is very painful and will need to be treated by a dentist right away. As long as you visit your dentist regularly for checkups, most dental problems should be taken care of before they get out of hand!
What Are The Symptoms Of A Cavity?
A cavity is a small hole in your tooth that can become infected. The first symptom is usually a toothache. Other symptoms include: sensitivity to hot or cold, pain when you bite down, visible holes or pits in your teeth, dark spots on your teeth, and bad breath. If the infection spreads to your jaw, you may also experience swelling. What are the dangers of an untreated tooth infection?: An untreated tooth infection will eventually reach your bloodstream. As it does this, it will release toxins which can cause organ failure and sepsis. Septicemia (blood poisoning) from an untreated tooth infection is one of the most common causes of death in young children.
When should I get medical attention for my child’s toothache?: Medical attention should be sought if there are any signs of bleeding or fever as these are not normal reactions to a toothache. Typically, antibiotics are given at the same time. These help prevent the spread of infection from tooth to blood stream. However, antibiotics have their own side effects so they should only be used when necessary. A dentist can often tell whether a dental antibiotic is needed by examining the mouth with x-rays and performing a physical exam.
What Are The Warning Signs Of An Infected Tooth?
- If you have a toothache that doesn’t go away after a couple of days, it could be the beginning of an infection.
- Other warning signs include pain when you bite down, swelling in your gums, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
- If the infection is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health problems.
- In some cases, an infected tooth can even be fatal.
- So if you think you might have an infection, it’s important to see a dentist right away.
- They will be able to prescribe antibiotics to get rid of the infection.
- However, antibiotics are not always needed to eliminate an infection and they are not without side effects.
- Depending on the severity of the tooth infection, there are natural remedies you can try at home before resorting to taking medication.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Brush with baking soda
- Take echinacea.
- Drink apple cider vinegar.
- Eat colloidal silver.
- Rinse with hydrogen peroxide.
- Make a paste from garlic and turmeric.
How Can You Tell If Your Infection Is Serious?
If you have a tooth infection, you may be wondering how serious it is. After all, an infection is nothing to mess around with. Here are seven signs that your tooth infection may be serious:
- You have a fever.
- Your tooth is extremely painful.
- Your gums are red and swollen.
- You have pus coming from the affected area.
- You have a bad taste in your mouth.
- You feel generally ill.
- Your lymph nodes are swollen . These are just some of the warning signs of a potentially serious infection. To avoid further damage, it’s important to get help right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Don’t wait until the pain gets unbearable or your tooth starts to turn black! Treatment without antibiotics can involve removing the decay, extracting infected tissue, or cleaning out bacteria by placing medications inside the cavity. When considering how to get rid of a tooth infection without antibiotics, make sure you don’t bite down on anything hard like ice or chewing gum while waiting for treatment because this could worsen the condition. Get in touch with our dental office today for more information about what type of treatments are available for treating a tooth infection without antibiotics.
In Some Cases, It May Be Best To Skip Treatment And Go Straight To Dental Implants
If you’re considering dental implants, you may be wondering how to get rid of a tooth infection without antibiotics. In some cases, it may be best to skip treatment and go straight to dental implants. This is because untreated tooth infections can lead to serious health complications, including death. While dental implants are not cheap, they are often the best option for people with severe tooth infections. If you have a tooth infection, be sure to talk to your dentist about all of your treatment options. They will recommend the most appropriate course of action for your particular situation. For example, if you only need one or two teeth treated and the rest of your mouth is healthy, then antibiotic therapy may be an option.
However, if you’re in chronic pain due to many infected teeth, or there’s a risk that untreated bacteria could spread throughout your body, then dental implants might be necessary. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to speak with your dentist as soon as possible so that he or she can prescribe the right treatment plan for you. Your dentist will also advise you on how to protect yourself from future problems, such as how to avoid cavities. Here are a few tips: Brush twice per day for two minutes each time; use fluoridated toothpaste; floss daily; drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet; rinse with mouthwash after meals or snacks; visit your dentist at least twice per year for professional cleanings and checkups.
If You Want To Avoid Seeing Your Dentist Due To Anxiety, Here Are 3 Alternatives
- Oil pulling. This ancient practice involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes to help remove bacteria. 2. Probiotics. These helpful bacteria can be found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, as well as supplements. 3. Tongue scraping. Using a tongue scraper (or the edge of a spoon) to remove bacteria from your tongue can help freshen your breath and improve your oral health. Be sure to rinse with water after you’re done! A tooth infection without antibiotics may seem scary, but there are some things you can do at home to try and get rid of it before it gets worse. If you want to avoid seeing your dentist due to anxiety, here are three alternatives: 1. Oil pulling. This ancient practice involves swishing oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes to help remove bacteria. 2. Probiotics. These helpful bacteria can be found in fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, as well as supplements. 3. Tongue scraping. Using a tongue scraper (or the edge of a spoon) to remove bacteria from your tongue can help freshen your breath and improve your oral health. Be sure to rinse with water after you’re done!