In the early stages of tooth decay, bacteria dissolve the enamel, or hard surface of the tooth, creating small holes, or cavities. Cavities that are left untreated can cause an infection where pus forms at the site of the damaged tooth, according to MedlinePlus. Infection can also result from a chipped or broken tooth. Neglecting an infected tooth can result in consequences far beyond needing a filling.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess can cause extreme pain. Other symptoms include bad breath, swelling at the site of the infected tooth, sensitivity to hot and cold foods, and fever. A root canal, where the pulp of the tooth is removed, along with any infected tissue, may save an infected tooth. If a root canal is unsuccessful, the tooth must be extracted, according to the University of Illinois Medical Center.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small clusters of cells covered by connective tissue. The most common occurrences of swollen lymph nodes are in the neck, armpits, under the chin and in the groin area. A tooth abscess that is left untreated may result in swelling of the lymph nodes, according to MayoClinic.com. Swollen lymph nodes caused by a tooth abscess may be treated with antibiotics. However, antibiotics are only temporarily effective in treating the actual tooth abscess, according to the University of Illinois Medical Center.
Sepsis
Tooth abscesses that are left untreated may result in sepsis, according to MedlinePlus. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when your body's immune system reactions affect areas far from the original location of the infection, according to MayoClinic.com. Sepsis can cause organ failure and septic shock, a dramatic drop in blood pressure which can sometimes be fatal. Early treatment with antibiotics is necessary to reverse the effects of sepsis,.
