Man Dies From Toothache, Couldn't Afford Meds

A 24-year-old Cincinnati father died from a tooth infection this week because he couldn't afford his medication, offering a sobering reminder of the importance of oral health and the number of people without access to dental or health care.

According to NBC affiliate WLWT, Kyle Willis' wisdom tooth started hurting two weeks ago. When dentists told him it needed to be pulled, he decided to forgo the procedure, because he was unemployed and had no health insurance.

When his face started swelling and his head began to ache, Willis went to the emergency room, where he received prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medications. Willis couldn't afford both, so he chose the pain medications.

The tooth infection spread, causing his brain to swell. He died Tuesday.

Publisher's Note:


I, too, had underwent a similar experience back in 1987. when I, too, had a bad tooth that needed to be extracted, and both antibiotics and pain killers were prescribed for me to take, but my pain was so severe that I chose to take only the pain killer medicine, and not the antibiotic.  Well, despite my medical training and knowledge, I had continued to take only the pain killer medicine.  Unfortunately, as a result of my ignorance, my tongue obviously became infected to the point that it risen to the roof of my mouth leaving very little room to swallow, nor could I speak.


Suffice to say, my dad (God Rest His Soul) took me to the hospital emergency room, and I was administered an IV, and believe me, this time I took the prescribed antibiotics!  Underneath my tongue was nothing but gelatinous matter - jelly like substance that was badly infected.  I never would have thought in a million years that I would become a victim of my own ignorance.  Especially with my knowledge, but when you've never been sick a day in your life to that extent, and have never been admitted to the hospital, you do begin to feel that you are invincible. 


I'd soon found out thereafter that I was not invincible.  And yes, I learned that I, too, can get sick.


My dentist at that time learned about my emergency care.  After all, it was him who had provided me with the dental care, and prescribed the medicines.  He called, and I was able to detect the nervousness on his part.  I assured him that what had happened to me was NOT his fault at all!  And he did not have to worry about me taking him to court because it was not his fault.  Why?  Because it was NOT his fault.  It was me who chose not to take the prescribe antibiotic!  How could I ever in my conscience blame another individual for my wrong doing?  It is not right to do so, period!


In fact, he was the BEST dentist I ever had in my life!  I sincerely hope that he's still alive, and doing well.  I really do. 


PLEASE: If a dentist or physician is to ever prescribe antibiotics for you to take, please do so.  And if you do not have insurance, please see a dentist anyway!  Please see a physician.  I had learned that there are some physicians and dentists who are very empathetic to your need as a non-insured person.  I am very sadden by this story.  Not every dentist and physician are ruthless greedy individuals.  They, too, needed someone's help at one time or another.  NEVER ASSUME THAT NO ONE WILL HELP YOU!


And just so you know - until you do get medical attention in relationship to getting antibiotics for your infected tooth/teeth/mouth, please eat healthy portions of onions (Onions are a natural antibiotic) - place tea bags onto the affected area - wash your mouth with "over-proof liquor" and/or continue to rinse your mouth entirely with alcohol-based mouthwash by swishing it in your mouth for approximately five minutes before spitting it out. 

END.