How deadly is an abscess on your tooth/gum?

Needs to be treated: An abscess is a bacterial infection in the body. Any infection has the potential to enter the bloodstream and move to other parts of the body. Treatment should be started as soon as possible

That depends: That depends on a lot of different factors including: how large is the abscess, how long has it been present, what bacteria is in it, where in your mouth is it located, and your general health. Rather than worry about how deadly it could be GET IT TREATED.

Deadly tooth abscess: With the right treatment and drainage, a dental abscess is easily cured. Left untreated, a serious tooth abscess can eventually kill. Dental abscess infection may spread to the face, brain or neck. Direct spread from a dental source can account for up to 10% of brain abscesses. See your dentist for a preventive treatment.

Infection danger: Most infections in the mouth cause local damage and can lead to loss of teeth, bone and gums. They can also spread to other parts of the body. I personally know of one boy who is mentally handicapped from infected baby tooth and another who died from tooth infection. These are serious matters not to be taken lightly. Death is rare but is it worth taking the chance?