Neglected Tooth Decay Leads to Severe Facial Abscess: A Warning from a Dental Hygienist

A 25-year-old man's neglected tooth decay led to a severe facial abscess, highlighting the critical need for preventative dental care. Dental hygienist Natália Drgová shared the case on Instagram, emphasizing that while not all infections cause immediate pain, ignoring them can lead to serious consequences. "Not every infection hurts immediately. Sometimes the pain stops, but the infection spreads," Drgová explains. "This patient waited until it was too late." The abscess, originating from a tooth root, broke through the facial tissue, creating an open wound. Many avoid dentists due to past negative experiences or fear of pain, but this fear often leads to more significant problems. Drgová stresses that "Prevention doesn't hurt. A neglected infection does – and sometimes dangerously so." The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular dental check-ups and preventative care.