There is a point in almost everyone’s life where they have had toothache. We all have gone through it, but how do you know when it’s more than a minor problem? These toothaches can be caused by tooth infection. And this tooth infection can sneak up on anyone if they are not careful. Tooth infection, if left unattended for a long time, can turn into something serious. Even a broken tooth can cause tooth infection.
Tooth infection can be caused due to multiple reasons. Let’s get to the core of the topic so that we can get a better idea.

1. First Things First: What Are the Signs of a Tooth Infection?

The signs of tooth infection can be different from person to person, but the most classic sign of tooth infection is usually the following:

• Continuous, throbbing toothache – When you feel the pain that stays like that or gets worse when you bite, it is a big red flag.
• Swelling in the face or jaw – The cheek or even your gum gives a puffy look.
• Bad taste or foul smell in mouth – This comes from pus draining.
• Red or swollen gums – The area around the infected tooth feels tender.
• Tooth sensitivity – Hot or cold drinks may cause sharp pain.
• Fever and feeling tired – This is the indication that your body is fighting infection.
• Uneasy to open mouth or swallow – Suggests swelling is spreading deeper into the throat.

When you notice many of these symptoms at once, you need to visit your dentist for further assessment. If you keep on ignoring the signs, the infection can spread deeper into the bloodstream or airways.

2. Can a Broken Tooth Cause Infection?

Yes, a broken tooth can cause infection. When they are broken deep enough to expose the innermost part of the tooth (pulp, where the nerve and blood vessels are present). When the soft tissue is open to air and the bacteria in it...the infections just build the foundation in the tooth. Now about the small crack, they are too dangerous. Even a small crack can act as a doorway for the germs to sneak in. A broken tooth can totally set the stage for an infection, especially if the break is deep enough to expose the inner part of the tooth (where the nerve and blood vessels live). Once that soft tissue is open to air—and bacteria—it’s game on. Even a small crack can be a doorway for germs to sneak in. You might not feel anything at first, but over time, bacteria can cause an infection right in the pulp, leading to an abscess. And from there, well... things can escalate quickly if you ignore it.

3. How Long Until a Tooth Infection Becomes Life-Threatening? Can You Actually Die from One?

It sounds dramatic, but yes—you can die from a tooth infection if it goes untreated. History even shows many famous people in earlier centuries died from abscessed teeth before modern dentistry existed. Nowadays, with antibiotics and dental treatments available, death is rare, but still possible if you ignore the symptoms. The infection can/may spread into (worst case scenarios):

• Bloodstream → leading to sepsis.
• Lungs → causing aspiration pneumonia.
• Brain → leading to abscess or meningitis.
• Heart → in some cases, bacteria can contribute to endocarditis.

That’s why dentists always stress early treatment instead of waiting.

4. Signs of Sepsis from a Tooth Infection (When It’s Getting Dangerous)

Now, if you’ve had a toothache that’s been getting worse and you start feeling really unwell—this is where you should stop everything and go get help. Sepsis is a full-body infection response and can be deadly. Watch out for:

• High fever with chills
• Rapid heartbeat
• Confusion or disorientation
• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood pressure

If any of these happen, you shouldn’t wait for a dental appointment—you need hospital care immediately. Sepsis spreads quickly and can cause organ failure.

5. How to Get Rid of a Tooth Infection (The Right Way)

The only way to truly deal with a tooth infection is to get professional treatment. There's no miracle home remedy that will magically make it go away—sorry, but garlic cloves and salt water rinses aren’t going to cut it long-term. A dentist will usually:

• Drain the infection if there's an abscess.
• Perform a root canal to clean out the infected pulp.
• Or, in worse cases, pull the tooth if it can't be saved.

You’ll probably be given antibiotics to help kill the bacteria and keep the infection from spreading further. It’s super important to take the full course, even if you start feeling better in a few days.

6. Temporary Relief at Home (While You Wait for Your Appointment)

If you’re stuck waiting for a dental appointment or it’s the middle of the night, there are a few things you can do to manage the pain and swelling until help arrives:

• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and draw out some of the bad stuff.
• Use cold compresses on the outside of your cheek to help with swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen or acetaminophen—but don’t put them on the tooth.
• Try not to chew on the affected side, and avoid hot or cold drinks that might make the pain worse.

These are just temporary tricks though—they don’t fix the root problem (literally).

7. Why You Shouldn’t Wait It Out

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming the pain will go away on its own. Sometimes it does, but that’s often because the nerve inside the tooth dies. No nerve = no pain… but that doesn’t mean the infection’s gone. In fact, it’s probably spreading even faster now because your body isn’t getting the “alert” anymore. So yeah, don’t let a little relief trick you into thinking you’re fine. If something felt wrong and now feels too quiet? That’s not a good sign.

8. Preventing Tooth Infections in the First Place

Here’s the good news: most tooth infections are totally preventable if you take good care of your mouth. That means:

• Brushing twice a day (yep, even when you’re tired).
• Flossing daily (not just when food’s stuck).
• Cutting back on sugar and acidic drinks.
• Getting regular dental check-ups, even if nothing hurts.
• Wearing a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports.

If you’ve got old fillings, crowns, or root canals, keep an eye on those too—sometimes infections start under dental work that’s failed silently over time.