Dr. Grunch explains the death of NFL player Mike Williams

former NFL wide receiver Mike Williams died of a brain infection from a dental cavity initial reports at the time of his death suggested that Mike died from a head trauma at a construction site however autopsy results that were revealed yesterday showed that Mike died from multiple abscesses in his brain and lungs those were caused from bacterial sepsis that led to his death so let's talk a little bit about how that can possibly happen if you have a cavity in your tooth that's left untreated the bacterial infection that starts the enamel can actually migrate down and cause an abscess down in the bone that can cause facial swelling and pain the infection from the tooth can actually get into your bloodstream and then migrate to the brain but I never thought that could happen most people don't know that and that's why routine dental health is so important not only that but affordable access to dental care one of the most common causes of abscesses in the brain is from Dental infections symptoms of a brain abscess can include headaches SE seizures numbness or weakness altered mental status and high fevers treatment of a brain abscess includes antibiotics and occasionally surgery to drain the abscess if we learn anything from this case I want to stress the importance of routine brushing and flossing of your teeth as well as seeing your dentist for routine checkups at least every 6 to 12 months because prevention is key