Ever wonder what happens if an abscess bursts in your mouth and you swallow it? That bacteria travels to new bodily systems and could very seriously sicken you. Sepsis is also a possibility. The infection may cause swelling that could interfere with your airway.
The rupture can be one of the first signs that the infection is beginning to spread. If it enters the bloodstream it can cause a serious condition called sepsis.
Home treatment
Check with your doctor first if you have any medical problems or if you take any other medicines. If an abscess ruptures by itself, warm water rinses will help cleanse the mouth and encourage drainage.
While it may seem extreme, the pus contained within an abscess is extremely dangerous. It is a virtual poison to your body and, should the infection spread, it can even threaten your life, causing damage to vital organs. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can lead to sepsis, a deadly whole-body infection.
You will need treatment from a specialist to ensure that your health is not compromised. If it is left unattended to, the infection can even spread beyond the jaw to the neck, head, or other parts. To avert this risk, it is essential to seek emergency services.
A dental abscess is always considered a dental emergency, and prompt care will ensure that the infection doesn't spread. Plus, proper dental care can only be found in a dental practice. Try and avoid going to urgent care or emergency rooms if possible.
If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature (fever) and feel generally unwell. In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
When an infection occurs, bacteria can move out of the tooth to the bone or tissue below, forming a dental abscess. A dental infection can lead to sepsis. Sepsis, which was often called blood poisoning, is the body's life-threatening response to infection.
A persistently high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, and digestive problems are potential signs of sepsis and should be treated as a medical emergency.
A ruptured abscess can be a good thing because the pus is released and the body has a better chance to heal on its own. However, in some instances, further evaluation by a doctor is necessary to prevent the progression and complications associated with a continuing infection.
The wound created by the abscess can take 1 to 2 weeks to heal completely. This depends on the size of the abscess and how well the body responds to the incision and drainage procedure.
But, at times the abscess may burst on its own, causing immense pain and discomfort. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!
Antibiotics are effective at preventing the spread of bacteria. However, they should never be used as the only means of removing an abscess.
redness inside the mouth, or outside the mouth on the face or jaw. sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink in the affected area. a bad taste in your mouth. difficulty opening your mouth and chewing food.
In rarer cases—usually when the abscess is left untreated—a tooth infection can spread. Dental infections often spread locally. However, if the abscessed tooth isn't treated, the infection can continue to spread to other areas of your body and potentially cause sepsis, a life-threatening medical condition.
Signs of bacteremia could be slight fever, nausea and distal infection. Rarely, bacteremia may resolve on its own. It also may progress into septicemia, a more serious blood infection that is always accompanied by symptoms such as chills, high fever, rapid heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting and confusion.
Sepsis can be divided into three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock.
In nearly all cases, dental abscesses cause intense pain and swelling and they are considered a dental emergency. If not treated in a timely manner, the consequences are dire. Not only can this infection cause tooth loss, it can travel to surrounding lymph nodes, the heart and even the brain.
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.
While it takes a long time for a tooth infection to become fatal, it's possible for a tooth infection to develop into sepsis if left untreated. Typically, this process takes a few months. And even though it may feel like your pain subsides when the abscess bursts, don't be fooled.
An untreated gum abscess can lead to complications such as tooth loss and chronic pain. It can also contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory health issues. Therefore, a gum abscess popped by itself should be treated by a dentist promptly. A dentist will establish and treat the underlying cause of your gum abscess.
A periodontal abscess looks like a boil or pimple on your gums. It's usually darker than other areas of your gum and looks swollen.