You may have heard the news story about the 26-year-old man who died from a tooth infection spreading to his lungs. This is not only a tragic tale, but a warning to us all. Vadim Anatoliyevich started complaining of a toothache about two weeks before his death. Anatoliyevich was a truck driver travelling from California to New York at the time. When he arrived in Oklahoma, he finally visited a dentist who cleaned out the infection and prescribed antibiotics. Anatoliyevich showed signs of improvement until his return journey. At this point, swelling began in his mouth and face and he became too weak to drive. Anatoliyevich’s brother went to pick him up and then brought him to a Utah hospital. Four days after this, Anatoliyevich died. The infection and bacteria had spread to his lungs. If you would like to read the article, you can find the article by clicking here.
You are likely among the many who do not realize how issues in the mouth can affect other parts of the body. An abscessed tooth, an infection which usually results from severe tooth decay, occurs at the root of a tooth. An abscessed tooth manifests as a very bad toothache. A few other common symptoms include:
– Fever
– Pain when eating
– Very bad breath
– Swollen, red gums
– Swollen neck glands
– Draining sores on the gums
– Swollen jaw
As an abscessed tooth is located in the mouth, this infection is easily spread to other parts of the body. A tooth infection can spread to the brain through the blood vessels. This can lead to a brain abscess, and in severe cases, coma. Infection can also spread to the sinuses and cause a sinus infection. Bacteria can spread to the heart and cause a condition called bacterial endocarditis. An abscessed tooth can also cause a face and jaw infection which can restrict airways. Like in the case of Anatoliyevich, infection can spread to the lungs. The bacteria that cause diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia often come from the oral cavity. Poor oral health and oral hygiene can cause an increase in these bacteria before they spread to the lungs. So, the healthier the mouth, the healthier the lungs.
To avoid tooth infection and other oral issues that could affect your overall health, Dr. Brian T. Edwards, DDS urges you to visit our office regularly for dental cleanings in Newhall, California. In this way, any dental issues can be caught and treated early. In addition, schedule an appointment with our dentist immediately if you have a toothache or another dental emergency.
