Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Can An Infection In Your Tooth Spread

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The Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth

Can an Infected Tooth Cause an Infection in Your Body?

It is important for you to recognize when you have a dental abscess so that you can see a professional. Here are some of the symptoms that could indicate that you have an abscessed tooth:

  • Intense tooth pain that persists.
  • Feeling that there is unexplained pressure in the vicinity of an affected tooth.
  • Swollen or red gums.
  • Swelling around your jaw or face.
  • Fever.
  • An unpleasant or salty taste in your mouth.
  • Generalized lethargy .

Keeping The Infections At Bay

Tooth infections are horrible, and people should get them treated as soon as possible.

Delaying or neglecting dental treatment can result in tooth infection spreading to areas around the mouth and even to other parts of the body.

The most common methods of treating tooth abscesses are root canal treatment, apicoectomy, sepsis treatment, and antibiotics.

If you suspect you have a dental infection, seek dental treatment immediately to prevent the abscess from spreading.

From Tooth To Eye: How A Dental Infection Can Spread To Your Eyes

Infections are nothing to be trifled with. Perhaps the most significant hazards happen when something that seems small and irrelevant end up spreading to other parts of the body a tooth infection spread to the eye, for instance, occurs because the disease-causing agents travel through your bloodstream, all the way from one place to the other.

Infections are nothing to be trifled with. Perhaps the most significant hazards happen when something that seems small and irrelevant end up spreading to other parts of the body a tooth infection spread to the eye, for instance, occurs because the disease-causing agents travel through your bloodstream, all the way from one place to the other.

Dental abscesses mostly occur when individuals dont care properly for the health of their teeth, have fragile immune systems or suffer from autoimmune diseases. Redness, pain, swelling, and fever are all common symptoms of tooth infections.

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Tooth Infection Spread To Lungs Symptoms: Symptoms Of A Spreading Tooth Infection

Tooth Infection Spread to Lungs Symptoms: Symptoms of a Spreading Tooth Infection. The pain of a tooth usually is a common occurrence. Many people believe that getting a dental check-up is something that should be delayed. Actually, not having it could result in a significant impact on dental infection.

The infection could become a tooth abscess that is a pus-filled lump that occurs due to an infection caused by bacteria in the tooth. The site of the abscess may be located at the top of the root tooth, or on the gum around the affected tooth. Dental abscesses can be caused by unclean teeth, plaque buildup which can cause cavities, and also prior dental traumas or treatments.

Infections in the mouth that arenât treated promptly can cause damage to the head, jaw neck, jaw, and all over the body. At the end of the day, this condition could have severe health-related consequences for the entire body.

There are previously indications of tooth infections that you must be aware of.

  • The pain of a tooth is uncontrollable and throbbing until it reaches the jawbone, neck, and even the ears
  • Sensitive to cold and hot temperatures
  • Pain while chewing or biting
  • Fever
  • Swelling of the cheeks
  • The lymph nodes are swelling
  • If the abscess explodes then a foul and salty fluid will leak out of the mouth
  • Breathing difficulty and trouble swallowing

Periodontal Abscesses: Affecting The Gums

How Long Does It Take For a Tooth Infection to Spread ...

Periodontal abscesses are more common among adults than children and are often a complication of gum disease. They tend to originate in the alveolar bone and periodontium. Gum disease or injury can cause teeth to become loose and/or inflamed, including the surrounding area. The resulting pocket that forms between the tissue and the tooth is vulnerable to infection by bacteria which can then form a periodontal abscess.

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Getting A Root Canal Replacement

Sometimes a root canal procedure does not permanently solve the problem of an abscessed tooth. You may break the tooth long after the root canal therapy, allowing bacteria to enter. A root canal dentist can offer a root canal replacement to help you heal. If you lose pieces of your tooth, your dentist may use a composite resin to rebuild the tooth before adding a root canal crown.

Take These Steps Immediately If Your Tooth Is Infected

A tooth infection or abscess can spread the surrounding bone and gum tissue, and the pain can become more severe. If you are experiencing signs of an infected tooth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Though treatment is necessary to resolve the issue, you can take steps to manage your pain until then.

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Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection Spreading To The Rest Of The Body

Did you know that you can die from a toothache? That’s a sobering thought.

Most of the time toothaches are caused by infections that are merely painful inconveniences. But if the infection worsens and spreads to the rest of the body, it can be serious. For a small number of people, it’s even deadly.

To avoid this happening to you, you can simply learn the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body. Then you’ll know when to seek immediate medical attention for your annoying toothache.

What Is A Dental Abscess

A Tooth Infection Can Be Deadly â ï¸?Dental Abscess Pus Drainage

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms within body tissues. Abscesses are the result of an infection, generally bacterial, localized in the area where the abscess forms. They are almost always accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Dental abscesses are abscesses affecting the teeth and adjacent jaw tissue.

Each tooth is made up of several layers. The outermost layer is the enamel, which covers a softer layer, the dentin. The dentin and enamel are the toothâs protective layers. Underneath the dentin is the pulp, where the toothâs nerves and blood vessels are situated. The pulp runs down the center of the root of the tooth, which connects the tooth to the underlying bone of the upper or lower jaw. Infections in the pulp can therefore easily spread into the bone of the jaw. Likewise, if the gum around the tooth becomes infected, the tooth is at risk of damage as well. Some abscesses affect the pulp first and spread to the bone, while others affect the surrounding tissues of the gum and do not start in the pulp.

Treatment for dental abscesses involves draining the pus from the tooth and filling or removing the tooth to prevent re-infection.

There are two major subtypes of dental abscess: periapical and periodontal.

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Can A Tooth Infection Spread: When To Need A Doctor

The truth is, not all tooth infection needs a doctors appointment, your dentist can easily address your concerns if your infection or tooth decay gets diagnosed early. Of course, as we always say, prevention is better than cure. Having your regular dental appointment lets your dentist monitor your dental cavity and see any signs of developing risks become problems even happen.

However, if you have been dealing with a stubborn tooth infection and you suddenly feel the following symptoms, it would be best to consult a doctor immediately:

  • Severe swelling
  • Seizure
  • Vomiting

If any of these symptoms surface during your tooth infection battle, do not hesitate to get immediate medical help as this may signal severe and systemic issues.

Elevated Respiratory And Heart Rate

The infection could damage your heart and lungs. It may cause your heart to beat unusually fast. You could also feel that you have to pant or gasp to breathe correctly.

Oral infections arent just limited to teeth, gums, and jaws. They can spread to your body, cause sepsis, and possibly damage your organs. So do yourself a favor and seek a dental or medical professional when you come across any of these signs.

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How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app?

to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

What Causes Tooth Infections

10+ Signs You Have a Toxic Tooth Infection and How to Treat It

Tooth infections, also known as tooth abscesses, are formed as a result of excessive tooth decay. Tooth decay comes from harmful bacteria from food, drinks, and outside substances that stick to the teeth. Eventually, the bacteria hardens into plaque and tartar, which can be dangerous the longer it remains on the teeth.

Not only will it become more and more difficult to treat on your own, but it will become more likely to spread to other parts of your mouth. Over time the infection can get into the roots of your teeth and gums, leading to hospitalization.

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Treatment For A Tooth Infection

There are many ways for your dentist to treat a tooth infection. The type of treatment depends on several factors, like to what extent the infection has spread, and the initial location of the abscess. Read further as we explain the possible different treatment for a tooth infection.

Root Canal Treatment: It may be necessary to receive a root canal treatment. This can help treat abscesses deep inside the tooth. The procedure requires the dentist to drill into the tooth and remove the pocket of pus and bacteria at the root of the tooth. Once finished, the dentist will fill the space with a material called gutta-percha. After the tooth is healed, the dentist can restore the tooth with a crown, or a filling to prevent an infection from happening again.

Tooth Infection Treatment Options

Depending on the cause of the tooth infection, treatment may include:

Dental Abscess Treatment

During this procedure, your dentist will make a small incision into your gums and drain the abscess. They will drain all of the pus out before stitching it back up to ensure the bacteria is removed.

If your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, extraction will likely be necessary. Youll need a dental implant after the tooth is surgically removed, which can cost up to $4,000.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is necessary if you have a large cavity that has spread to the tooths pulp. This treatment can also involve abscess draining.

During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected dental pulp and drain the abscess.

The root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed. Then a dental crown is placed on top of the root canal treated tooth.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat dental abscesses. After the abscess is drained, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the remaining infection. Antibiotics alone do not cure abscesses.

Depending on the severity of your abscess or infection, you may need oral antibiotics or IV antibiotics.

Apicoectomy

If you have a root canal-treated tooth but are still experiencing a toothache an apicoectomy may be necessary. This is a minor dental surgery that removes the apex .

If you develop sepsis, you’ll need to visit an ICU . Fluids and IV antibiotics will be used to treat this condition.

Summary

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Symptoms That Lead To Hospitalization

The first sign of a tooth infection is a toothache that wont go away. If you are worried about the symptoms of infection spreading through your body, it is important to get ahold of your dentist at the first signs of tooth infection. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

  • Fever and general illness
  • Swelling in the gums or mouth
  • Swollen neck glands
  • Bitter taste in the mouth
  • Constant bad breath
  • Swollen upper or lower jaw
  • Pain when chewing

Symptoms will only worsen over time, and the infection will spread. Once the bacterial infection spreads to the bloodstream or the brain, hospitalization is required.

Can Tooth Infections Cause Hospitalization

How Dangerous is a Tooth Abscess?

An untreated tooth infection can spread to the heart, brain, lungs, and other vital parts of the body, requiring life-saving hospitalization. In 2007, a 12-year old Maryland resident died in the hospital as a result of bacteria from a tooth infection spreading to his brain. Once the infection spreads, it moves fast, making it all the more imperative to take care of an abscess as quickly as possible.

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Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection

A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, happens when bacteria enters and infects the area surrounding a tooth.

Dental infections usually occur at the tip of a tooths root or on the gums on the side of the root .

A tooth infection can cause symptoms such as:

  • Severe toothache that may also cause throbbing pain in the jaw, neck, or ear
  • Sensitivity to heat or cold temperatures
  • Difficulty chewing or biting

A ruptured abscess can cause a rush of foul-tasting or salty fluid inside the mouth.

Typically, when this pocket of pus ruptures, people also experience pain relief.

Ways To Prevent Tooth Infection

If you have noticed the signs and symptoms of tooth infections, keep in mind that it requires immediate medical attention. It would be best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, let me share with you some tips to prevent tooth abscesses. These are entirely basics.

  • Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is essential. Additionally, use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen your tooth enamel.
  • It would also help to floss at least once a day. By flossing, you can remove tiny particles between your teeth and gums.
  • Another way to prevent the growth of bacteria inside your mouth is to eat a healthy diet.
  • Furthermore, it would be best to quit smoking and tobacco use. It associates with various health risks.
  • Most importantly, see your dentist regularly. Your dentist could identify related dental issues.
  • Overall, practicing good oral hygiene and never missing out on a single dental appointment allows us to be free from serious oral problems. Your tooth pain may be signifying infections already.

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    Tooth Infection And Tooth Abscess

    Odontogenic infection, the medical term for tooth infection, starts from a simple plaque buildup or tartar rich in bacteria that succeeded in penetrating the insides of the tooth. An abscess is a painful infection that arises when bacteria gain access to the pulp tissues of the tooth. As you know, the pulp is the innermost part of the tooth where the nerves and blood vessels reside, so infection in this area should get professional attention immediately.

    Symptoms Of A Dental Abscess

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    Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include:

    • an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
    • pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum
    • pain that’s worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep
    • redness and swelling in your face
    • a tender, discoloured or loose tooth
    • shiny, red and swollen gums
    • sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
    • bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth

    If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature and feel generally unwell.

    In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.

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    Treatment For Severe Tooth Infections

    If your tooth infection has progressed to the point where you require a trip to the emergency room, it is likely that the bacteria is spreading throughout your body. When you catch an infection early enough, you have the opportunity to save your tooth through root planing or root canal treatment. An infection that is too severe may require antibiotic treatment to quell the infection before a root canal procedure can occur.

    Even more severe cases may require hospitalization and the loss of the tooth as a whole. This is why it is so important to visit your Shady Grove Point Dental experts as soon as you start feeling discomfort or pain in your mouth. You have a good chance of saving your tooth and your life by acting early.

    Should I Go To The Emergency Room For A Tooth Abscess

    However, if the infection has progressed to the point where you’re in serious pain or if you are having a constant bad taste in your mouth that is getting worse you need to go to the emergency room or make an emergency dental appointment. If left untreated, your bacterial infection can invade other parts of your body.

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    How Long Does It Take For Antibiotics To Work For Tooth Infection

    Keep in mind, antibiotics help reduce the dental infection but do not eliminate it. The only way to get rid of a tooth abscess infection is to remove the nerve or extract the abscessed tooth. Most people experience relief after about 48 hours on an antibiotic. Significant improvement occurs within three to five days.

    Symptoms Of Tooth Infection Spreading To The Brain

    Can the tooth infection spread into the brain ??

    A dental abscess can also travel to the brain, leading to the development of another abscess. If the infection reaches your brain, it can be life-threatening.

    Since a brain abscess is so dangerous, the condition requires a visit to the hospital or emergency room for urgent treatment. A brain abscess is relatively rare but can occur if the dental infection is left untreated.

    Symptoms of a brain abscess :

    • Fever
    • Going in and out of consciousness

    Summary

    Dental abscesses can lead to brain abscesses . This is why you should never leave them untreated. Vision changes and body weakness on one side are common with brain abscesses.

    Can an Infected Tooth Make You Sick?

    Poor oral hygiene and neglected dental care allow the harmful bacteria in your mouth to cause infections. Eventually, an untreated tooth infection can make you sick.

    If left untreated, a dental abscess can have serious consequences on your oral health and entire body.

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