On
09.19.11 In
Austin Dentists
0
Comments
To many this would seem a rather ridiculous question. After all, how could a toothache kill a person? But, the question does not have such an obvious answer and a recent story making headlines gives reason for people to rethink their stance on oral care.
In September, it was reported by many worthwhile news sources that a twenty-four year old man was pronounced dead at Cincinnati’s University Hospital. The cause of his death was tied to a toothache that the man had complained about some time before. Though his dentist urged him to have the tooth pulled, the man failed to do so. Soon, that pain, which had started as a mere discomfort around the tooth, spread and was accompanied by severe headaches and facial swelling. At that time, the young man headed for the emergency room where he was prescribed antibiotics and pain killers. He could not afford to pay for both, so he opted to fill only the latter. Though the pain was effectively diminished, the underlying infection was allowed to spread, reaching his brain.
There are types of brain infection, which result from infections elsewhere in the body, for instance, the cerebral abscess. Severe headache, fever, and a generalized ill feeling are commonly associated with this condition, which can be treated effectively with antibiotics. They can result from bacteria commonly found in the mouth, which spreads through open wound into the blood stream. When this condition is found, doctors will often opt to release some of the intracranial pressure while treating with antibiotics. It can be fatal if left untreated. However, thanks to modern medicine, this condition has been successfully resolved in up to ninety-five percent of all cases. Had the man followed the advice of his emergency dentist in the first place, he too could have been one of the survivors.
The bad news is that people like this young man overlook the importance of oral health. Infections in the mouth may seem a minor inconvenience, but left untreated, bacterial infection can eat away as soft tissue and bone before entering the blood stream. It is not only the brain that is in danger after that. There have been definitive links drawn between gum disease and heart disease.
Gum disease – known as Gingivitis and Periodontitis (at different stages of the disease) – begins rather silently. Gingivitis, which is at the mildest form of the oral condition, is noted by red and swollen gums and can be diagnoses by an Austin dentist. There may be minor pain, but not necessarily. Another warning sign is gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing. If this condition is left untreated, it can become Periodontitis, which is defined as the stage at which the gums begin to pull away from the teeth. Deep pockets are formed, which provide the perfect breeding ground for more bacteria. At this point the supporting bone that holds the teeth in place is at risk of deterioration. That often results in tooth loss and added discomfort. dental implants will likely be needed to disguise the missing teeth, but if the bone is too badly damaged, that may no longer be an option.
The same bacteria that create plaque on and around the teeth — and that leads to Periodontitis –can also create plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Without doubt, if not treated properly, a toothache can be fatal… in more ways than one.
Austin Dental Center PC
2304 Hancock Dr. Suite 1
Austin, TX 78756-2537
(512) 454-0414
