Skip to content 
Thinking about cancelling that dental appointment despite a severe toothache and gums so inflamed you spit a mouthful of blood into the sink while getting ready for work this morning? While your hectic schedule may make the thought of taking care of yourself seem like yet another chore, consider this: Untreated dental infections can kill you.
Our teeth and gums live on the same anatomical block as our brain. They’re also connected to the health of our heart, although in a more southerly neighborhood fires easily spread from house to house when they’re close together.
Here are 5 signs of real trouble going on with your teeth and gums. If you experience any of these, see a dentist immediately.
1. Abscesses
Seeing one side of your face so swollen it looks like your cheek could detach and float across the room is never something to leave unattended. Severe dental decay causes abscesses when bacteria and pus build up in the soft pulp of the tooth. Antibiotics and in some cases extraction of the affected tooth may be required.
Our teeth and gums live on the same anatomical block as our brain. They’re also connected to the health of our heart and lungs and other organ systems.
2. Why You Need To Repair Damaged Teeth
Chipped, cracked and damaged teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay and can make the nerve more susceptible to bacteria. Small chips can usually be repaired with a filling. For larger areas, your dentist may recommend bonding.
3. Pain: Don’t Tough it Out Check it Out
Pain in a tooth/teeth when eating and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages may mean you require a root canal to save your tooth and antibiotics to treat an infection. Left untreated, bacteria from the infected tooth can travel into the mouth and jaw tissue and cause an abscess. If not caught in time, tooth infections can spread to other teeth, infect facial and neck tissues, and cause death if it reaches the brain.
4. Are Your Gums Bleeding?
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing indicates possible gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque building up along the gumline. If it progresses to periodontists marked by bright red gums loose teeth or even tooth fallout could result as a, consequence. Periodontitis is linked to coronary heart disease and strokes.
5. Despite Good Mouth Care, Bad Breath
Causes of this can range from a yeast infection in the mouth to dry mouth, which can make you more prone to developing cavities to cavities that have already formed.
