A tooth abscess won't go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain can improve a lot, making you think that the problem has disappeared, but that you still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection can spread to the jaw and other areas of the head and neck. If a tooth infection isn't treated, the affected tooth can suffer from severe decay.
In some cases, it may break or fall off. Too many people underestimate the seriousness of an untreated mouth abscess. An abscess refers to a bag of pus that develops from a bacterial infection in the mouth. It can be a painful infection in the nerves of a tooth or an infection that has developed in the gums that surround the tooth.
In almost all cases, dental abscesses cause severe pain and swelling and are considered a dental emergency. If not treated in a timely manner, the consequences are dire. Not only can this infection cause tooth loss, but it can also travel to surrounding lymph nodes, the heart, and even the brain. Rarely, a neglected tooth abscess can be fatal.
If left untreated, a dental infection can spread to the jaw, to the soft tissues of the face and neck, and beyond. In extremely rare cases, the infection can reach the heart (endocarditis) and the brain (bacterial meningitis). If left untreated, the infection can spread to the neck, head, and other regions of the body. In some cases, bacteria can travel to the heart and settle on the lining of the heart, a heart valve, or a blood vessel; this can cause a condition known as bacterial endocarditis.
Shortness of breath in some people with a dental abscess may be a sign of Ludwig's angina, a condition in which the infection restricts the functioning of the respiratory tract. You can reduce your risk of developing a tooth abscess if you visit your dentist routinely and have regular dental exams and cleanings. Most people are treated for a dental abscess, as the pain caused by an abscess can be extremely severe, even to the point of interfering with daily life. A tooth abscess, also known as a dental abscess or oral abscess, is a painful infection that can occur in a tooth, jaw, or gums that surround a tooth.
