Deal With Dental Infections Before SHTF
Dental infections are usually incredibly painful, but minor in the big scheme of things. They can easily be treated by a round of antibiotics and removing the source of the problem. However, due to their simplicity, many people often put off dealing with the problem as soon as symptoms subside. This is a big mistake for a couple of reasons, and the consequences can be serious or even life-threatening.
Antibiotic Resistance
Painful throbbing associated with dental problems normally comes when nerves in the teeth are squeezed by infections. Most infections go away with a round of antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin. This causes the pain to subside, but it won’t necessarily eliminate the source of the infection.
Infections are usually caused by damage to the structure of the tooth in question. This allows food, saliva and bacteria to get inside the tooth. Bacteria grows to the point where the infection becomes noticeable and quite painful in many cases. After antibiotic treatment and a couple of pain killers, things seem to go back to normal. However, unless the source of the problem is addressed, the infection will return.
So, we keep taking antibiotics and the cycle continues. However, after a period of time, bacteria that has become resistant to that particular antibiotic starts to to multiply and replace the other ones. This turns into a snowball effect where stronger antibiotics may be required to eliminate the infection until nothing works. This is one of the biggest dangers to worry about. Many dental infections that started out as minor turn into major life-threatening illnesses caused by severe outbreaks of things like MRSA.
Treating the Problem
Some teeth can be repaired simply by filling a cavity. Others require root canals whereas the most extreme cases will require an extraction. In all cases, the goal is to seal the tooth whenever possible and prevent bacteria from entering the interior. If the tooth can not be sealed and repaired, then the only other option is to pull it out. This is not a pleasant proposition, but it is necessary in order to eliminate the problem and protect the body from more serious problems.
Getting into Sinuses
The biggest fear is that an infection will leave the tooth and spread into the sinuses. This is why dentists, in most cases, will not perform extractions or root canals until the infection subsides. Another reason is that the material in an infection interferes with the effectiveness of Novocaine. Consequently, it won’t numb the tooth properly. However, once an infection becomes bad enough, it can travel to the sinus cavity. This can lead to secondary infections and quickly spread throughout the entire body.
Untreated infections can lead to systemic problems that may impact the heart, blood and organs. They may require hospitalization and a round of intensive treatments. While many work, some bacteria are resistant to even the strongest antibiotics, and untreated dental infections are a disaster waiting to happen.
Deal With Them Now
The best thing to do is not put off the dreaded visit to the dentist. One day of discomfort is well worth nipping the problem in the bud once and for all. The last thing that you want to deal with in a survival situation is a dental emergency that may or may not be treatable in the field. Yes, dentists can be expensive. Yes, you may have a missing tooth by the time all is said and done. However, these inconveniences don’t come close to the health risks, distractions and incredible pain you can experience during a survival situation. Be practical and be prudent. Deal with infections now so they won’t turn into an emergency later.
