Did you know that tooth decay could lead to death?
Former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams, aged 36, passed away on September 12, 2023, due to bacterial sepsis stemming from a dental infection, as reported by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. In dental-related sepsis, bacteria from an oral infection enter the bloodstream, triggering this response, Sepsis Alliance explained.
Williams, who played five seasons in the NFL, spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills, was hospitalized following a construction accident in August 2023. While on treatment, he developed sepsis linked to “retained tooth roots,” leading to his death. He was 36.
The athlete is not the first one to reportedly die from dental problems.
In September, a 23-year-old woman from Australia passed away after her untreated impacted wisdom tooth led to bacterial sepsis. Despite seeking medical care for flu-like symptoms and a rash, the infection rapidly spread which ultimately led to her death, the New York Post reported.
These incidents highlight the importance of maintaining oral health. Untreated dental issues can escalate into serious infections, potentially leading to sepsis and death.