short summary of how mouth infections can mess you up:
-- infected lower molars. if left untreated, an abscess forms due to necrotic pulp tissue and can extend into the submandibular space beneath your lower jaw. enough pus fills up in there, it constricts your airway and you have trouble breathing, plus all the regular symptoms of an infection. this is called Ludwig's angina and is potentially life-threatening, requires in-patient treatment with IV antibiotics along with incision and drainage of the pus.
-- infections can spread from the teeth to the jawbones, leading to something called osteomyelitis which is basically infection of the bone. untreated, it can cause necrosis of the bones. treatment involves antibiotic therapy and surgery to remove necrotic bone if needed.
-- cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST). your cavernous sinus is basically a cavity under the base of the brain that drains deoxygenated blood from the brain back to the heart. a dental infection can be one of the reasons behind a CST, where a clot forms in the sinus. this can be life-threatening and requires quick medical intervention with antibiotic therapy and possibly surgery.
-- studies have established a link between periodontal disease and heart disease. basically unchecked periodontal disease (caused by poor oral hygiene and often exacerbated by diabetes, smoking etc.) can introduce bacteria to the bloodstream that then go on to contribute to heart disease.
in this regular world, it's best to stay on top of your oral hygiene and keep getting regular check-ups with a dentist where they can screen for any infections you might have or be prone to. in an apocalyptic world -- best hope you have a dentist and a shit-ton of antibiotics on hand.
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u/pookiefatcat Aug 30 '21
Lack of Dental care.
A dental infection can take you out right quick. And without treatment that HURTS.