How Long Does It Take for a Tooth Infection to Kill You?

11/18/2025

Is a tooth infection strong enough to kill you? 

If you are looking for an answer to “how long until a tooth infection kills you”, then you have come to the right place. We will put all the essential information without making you feel afraid.

You will develop a tooth infection if bacteria reach the inside of the tooth, which comprises the soft tissue named pulp. A pocket of pus begins to form as the infection progresses. This process is known as a dental abscess.

In London during the 1600s, tooth infections became the fifth or sixth leading cause of mortality. In addition, dental infections were responsible for deaths in 10-40% of cases until 1908.

At present, the probability of dying from a tooth infection is extremely low, thanks to breakthroughs in medical science. However, you shouldn’t avoid seeing a doctor upon suspecting a tooth infection. If left ignored or untreated,  a tooth infection can easily spread to other parts of the body, which may, as a result, induce life-endangering and serious complications such as:

• Sepsis: Sepsis is seen as a serious and severe reaction by the body to the infection.

• Ludwi’s angina: This is categorized as a severe bacterial infection that impacts the underside of the tongue and the floor of the mouth.

• Necrotizing fasciitis: It is also a serious infection that results in the death of the soft tissues in the body.

• Endocardititis: Endocardititis comes out as the inflammation of the inner lining of the heart.

• Brain abscess: It is a condition in which pus forms in the brain as a result of a tooth infection.

• Mediastinitis:  It is a condition wherein the space between your lungs becomes inflamed.

What risk factors increase the risk of further complications from an abscess?

There is a plethora of risk factors that increase your probability of developing further complications from a dental abscess. The risk factors are the following:

• Having diabetes

• Older age

• Compromised immune system

• Being malnourished

When should you seek medical attention against a tooth infection?

Tooth infections are more common than you think, affecting a considerable amount of the global population. There is a wide range of causes that may result in a tooth infection, and the cause may vary from one person to another. Treating tooth infection in a timely manner is imperative since it doesn’t go away on its own. If not treated in the early stages, it may induce a wide range of unwanted complications. You shouldn’t delay seeking treatment if you are having the following symptoms:

• An unbearable pain in or around the infected tooth

• Gums that seem swollen or red

• Bad breath

• Discoloration of the affected tooth

• A persistent bad taste in your mouth

There are some signs that you shouldn’t ignore at all. These signs signal that the infection has become severe and needs immediate medical attention. The signs are the following:

• Fever

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headache

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Difficult breathing

• Rapid heartbeat

• Swelling around your eyes, neck, or face

• Trouble chewing, speaking, and swallowing

How to treat a tooth infection?

Medical science has evolved through many breakthroughs, and so have the treatments. There is a plethora of treatments available in order to treat tooth infection, ranging from tooth extraction to root canal. The correct treatment will be determined by your medical professional based on the severity of the infection and other prime factors. Therefore, it is paramount to see a healthcare provider to find the most appropriate and assuring treatment. If not treated in the early stages, it may even become a cause of death in certain individuals. The following are the treatments that are usually recommended to treat a tooth infection:

Drainage:

In order to clear out the abscess, a small incision will be made by your dentist in your infected gum. However, you will have to abide by the further treatment as well, in addition to the incision in the gum, to get effective results.

Root canal:

Root canal is a process wherein the infected pulp is eradicated from the tooth. The inner part of the tooth is meticulously cleaned and filled to minimize further complications. Thereafter, a crown will be placed to restore your tooth.

Tooth extraction:  

This is another procedure for treating a tooth infection. This procedure is recommended when the tooth can't be saved through other methods, such as a root canal. In tooth extraction, a dentist will extract your infected tooth to alleviate the pain and other symptoms you are facing due to it.

Antibiotics:

Antibiotics are a popular drug category that function to kill bacteria. These are usually recommended in conjunction with necessary measures to treat tooth infections. The severity of the infection usually determines whether you need oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics.

Are home remedies effective in treating a tooth infection? 

The effectiveness of home remedies depends heavily on the severity of the tooth infection. If the infection is mild and manageable at home, you can definitely try home remedies. If, on the other hand, you are facing an array of complications., It’s better to seek medical attention.  While looking for treatment, you can try the following home remedies to alleviate the symptoms 

• In order to minimize the pain, you can try ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.

• While you are suffering from a tooth infection, make sure to eat soft food and try to use the opposite side of your mouth to chew the food.

• Refrain from eating and drinking food items that may irritate the infected tooth, including hard or crunchy, acidic, spicy, very hot, or cold items.

• Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush in order to clean your teeth and dodge flossing around the infected teeth, as it may exacerbate the infection.

• Apply garlic to the infected tooth as it has antimicrobial properties.

• In order to relieve pain and swelling, rinse your mouth with saltwater or hydrogen peroxide. 

You should take these home remedies into practice while waiting to receive the treatment. These remedies should not be used in place of medical treatment or as a substitute; doing so may exacerbate the infection and may cause further complications.

The takeaway:

A tooth infection can kill you if ignored or left untreated. Yes, you heard it right! You may lose your life to a tooth infection if it is not addressed in a timely manner.  The cases related to death from tooth infection are extremely low, but timely treatment is still needed. If you suspect having a tooth infection, make sure to reach out to a doctor. There are an immeasurable medical treatments available to treat the tooth infection. The correct treatment will be decided by your doctor and typically depends on the severity of the infection. Abide by the doctor’s guidelines and treatment, and you are good to go.