Famous People Who Died from a Tooth Infection (and How to Avoid It)

It’s easy to think of a tooth infection as a small, insignificant ailment. However, if a tooth infection is left untreated, it can quickly turn serious by spreading to vital areas like the bloodstream (sepsis), the brain, or the lungs—even becoming fatal.

In fact, you might be surprised to learn that even notable figures—including celebrities—have lost their lives to something as seemingly minor as a tooth infection. Read on to discover the famous people who have died from a tooth infection and why preventive dental care is more critical than you might think.

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More Recent Than You Think: Young Celebrities Who Tragically Died from Tooth Infections

You may think that the list of famous people who have died from a tooth infection is limited to ancient history, with the emergence of modern medicine. However, you may be surprised to find out that these young stars died in more recent years.

Legends Lost: How a Tooth Infection Claimed These Prominent Figures

From world leaders to Hollywood stars and cultural icons, history has shown that even the most powerful individuals weren’t immune to the dangers of poor oral health.

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Icons of the Past: Notable Figures Who Succumbed to Tooth Infections

Throughout history, even some of the most influential figures have fallen victim to the dangers of untreated dental infections. From composers and kings to renowned thinkers and revolutionaries, you may be surprised at these noteworthy famous people who died from a tooth infection.

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Can a Tooth Infection Really Kill You?

Absolutely. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread beyond the mouth and lead to serious, potentially fatal complications, including:

Sepsis – A severe infection that enters the bloodstream and can cause organ failure.

Ludwig’s Angina – A rapidly spreading infection in the soft tissues of the mouth and neck, which can obstruct breathing.

Brain Abscess – When the infection reaches the brain, leading to swelling and neurological damage.

Endocarditis – A heart infection that occurs when oral bacteria enter the bloodstream and affect the heart’s lining.

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While modern medicine and antibiotics have made these severe outcomes less common, ignoring a tooth infection can still have deadly consequences. Seeking prompt dental care is essential to prevent serious health risks.

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How Many People Die Per Year From A Tooth Infection?

On average, tooth infections result in approximately five to ten deaths per year.

However, this number may have increased following the COVID-19 pandemic, as widespread dental office closures disrupted routine care, leading to a decline in overall oral health that we are still seeing the effects of today.

In the pre-antibiotic era, dental infections were a common cause of death, with fatality rates of 10–40%.

Today, deaths from dental abscesses are considered rare due to advances in medicine and dental hygiene—but the key is that you are preventive and care for your oral hygiene.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection can cause a range of uncomfortable and potentially serious symptoms. If left untreated, it can spread beyond the tooth and lead to severe complications. Here are the key signs to watch for:

Pain

Persistent, throbbing pain in the tooth or gums that may extend to the jaw, ear, or neck

Discomfort when biting or chewing

Pain that doesn’t subside on its own

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Swelling

Swollen gums that may form a pimple-like bump

Swelling in the face, cheek, neck, or throat

Enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck

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Bad Breath & Unpleasant Taste

Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth

A foul-smelling, salty fluid if the abscess bursts

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Sensitivity

Sharp sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks

Discomfort when applying pressure while eating

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Other Warning Signs

Redness inside or around the mouth

Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing

Fever and headaches

A general feeling of being unwell

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In severe cases, swelling from an infection can spread to the throat, making it hard to breathe or swallow. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency dental care immediately to prevent serious health risks.

Protect Yourself: How to Prevent a Deadly Tooth Infection

✔️ Schedule routine dental checkups at least twice a year to catch problems early.

✔️ Address cavities promptly to prevent them from turning into serious infections.

✔️ Don’t ignore ongoing tooth pain or swelling—these could be warning signs of an infection.

✔️ If you develop a fever, difficulty breathing, or facial swelling, seek medical attention immediately.

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Don't Let History Repeat Itself: Protect Yourself from a Deadly Tooth Infection

The tragic stories of famous people who have died from a tooth infection serve as a sobering reminder: tooth health is not something to take lightly.

Whether in the past or present, untreated dental infections have taken the lives of celebrities, musicians, world leaders, and even athletes—including a football player who died from a tooth infection in recent years.

But here’s the good news: while history shows that death from a tooth abscess is real, modern dentistry gives us the tools to prevent and treat infections before they become life-threatening. If you've ever wondered, "Can you die from tooth problems?" the answer is yes—but you don’t have to be a statistic.

Regular dental checkups allow your dentist to catch early signs of decay, gum disease, tooth infection, or other issues before they turn into serious infections.

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Your dental health is directly linked to your overall well-being, and at Alpers Dentistry, we make it easy to stay ahead of problems before they turn serious. Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or simply want to be proactive with preventive routine checkups, our team is here to help.

A tooth infection doesn’t happen overnight—it starts small and worsens when left unchecked.

Skipping visits may seem harmless, but neglecting your oral health can lead to costly and painful consequences. Stay ahead of problems, protect your smile, and keep infections at bay by making routine dental care a priority!

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Personalized Care for a Healthier Smile at Alpers Dentistry

At Alpers Dentistry, our dental hygienists use your routine hygiene visits as a chance to check in on your at-home oral care, answer any questions, and offer expert guidance to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Our office aims to be as preventive as possible, and we look out for both your oral health and your total health as well. For our new patients, we dedicate two hours exclusively for you.

This allows us time to properly assess your oral health and understand your unique needs and goals.

New patients receive a digital scan of your smile, which helps assess aspects like your bite, as well as 3D x-rays that give us a clearer picture of your oral and overall health and show us what’s going on underneath the surface.

With over 350 five-star reviews, Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Scottsdale, AZ, is committed to making every visit comfortable and stress-free. We’d love to welcome you and help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!

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Photo Credits:

Mike Williams: By Jeffrey Beall - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Source

Andy Hallett: By Raven Underwood - originally posted to Flickr as Andy3, CC BY 2.0, Source

John Glascock: By Carldoug - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Franklin D. Roosevelt: By Leon Perskie - Flickr (FDR Presidential Library &Museum) – Info – Pic, CC BY 2.0, Link