Hello Barbara: This is regarding your question on abscesses. Unfortunately this can apply to other issues besides teeth. My grandmother had hip surgery and was bed-ridden for quite a while. She developed a bed sore which the doctors referred to as an abscess (a hole in the skin that can go down inches and will not heal or close). This infection eventually spread and had to be treated with strong antibiotics. Thankfully she beat the infection and was able to return home. Back in the day prior to penicillin, these abscesses could easily have caused death to our relatives. Today, I think a death certificate would state "sepsis or infection" as the cause of death. I hope this helps in your research. Sincerely, Heidi Sisco