Why Do Teeth Become Infected
One of the common causes of tooth infection is an abscess caused by bacteria entering the tooth through a crack or cavity and forming pus inside it.
Depending on how long the infection is left untreated, it can spread to other places in the body, which has the potential to be life-threatening. The risk of developing a tooth infection increases in people that have:
- A diet high in sugar, including fizzy drinks and sweets
- Poor oral hygiene, not brushing the teeth twice a day and not flossing
- Dry mouth is a side-effect of certain medications and is often caused by ageing
Its crucial to recognise the symptoms of an infected tooth so that you can seek urgent dental care.
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Treatment For A Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are usually treated by a dentist. The dentist will drain away the pus.
If a problem with your tooth has caused the abscess, you may need root canal treatment, or the tooth may be removed. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic, so you do not feel any pain.
You may be offered painkillers to take for a few days after treatment and may also be given antibiotics.
Loss Of Infected Tooth
Leaving an abscessed tooth without treatment can cause it to become weak, and you will eventually lose it. But if a tooth infection is treated early, you can get a root canal procedure and a crown to save it.
In severe cases, tooth replacements using dental implants are going to be necessary if you wish to restore normal oral function.
However, an implant can only be supported once the infection has been eliminated from the surrounding area.
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Diagnosing A Tooth Infection
To confirm a tooth infection, your dental professional will take an x-ray to show the whole tooth in the bone. A CT scan may be needed as well if the infection is present in the bone or tissue.
An infection will show as a radiolucency on the image. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic before any dental work is completed. Most cases will result in a root canal or extraction.
Check out our article Tooth Extraction Healing Stages to learn more about root canals and extractions.
Can Tooth Infections Spread In Mouth
Infections in the mouth can spread to different areas. For example, a cavity is an infection in the tooth structure and it can not spread to neighboring teeth.
However, the active bacteria involved in the cavity can spread throughout your mouth. Infections in the gum tissue can spread to different areas of the mouth compromising the surrounding ligaments and bone structure.
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Can Tooth Infections Spread
Wondering can tooth infections spread? Well, the short answer is yes, there is a possibility of tooth infections spreading in multiple ways. If you think you have a tooth infection, contact your dental professional right away.
This article will outline the causes of tooth infections, the warning signs, and what can be done to heal the infection as quickly as possible.
When To See Your Dentist
Not all toothaches become serious health concerns. But if youre experiencing a toothache, its best to get treatment before it gets worse.
- pain when chewing or biting
If you have a broken tooth or if a tooth comes out, see your dentist right away.
While youre waiting to see the dentist, you might find relief by:
- avoiding hot or cold drinks and food
- avoiding chewing on the side of the tooth ache
- eating only cool, soft foods
Youre at risk of tooth infection if you dont have good dental hygiene. Take good care of your teeth by:
- brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- flossing your teeth at least once a day
- decreasing your intake of sugar
- eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables
If untreated, a tooth infection could potentially travel to other areas of your body, resulting in a potentially life-threatening infection. Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:
- increased breathing rate
Last medically reviewed on May 28, 2019
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- Dental abscess. .
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection Spreading
Tooth infections always start with a toothache. If you leave the sore and throbbing tooth untreated, it soon becomes infected. If the condition isnt treated, it spreads to other parts body. Therefore whenever you have a toothache, you must have the tooth examined by the dentist in Munster to determine whether it is infected and have it treated promptly to prevent complications later.
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Feeling Unwell And Fatigued
Once your tooth infection begins to worsen, you may start experiencing symptoms similar to a cold or flu. Along with a nagging toothache, you will have chills and sweats along with a headache. In addition, pain may travel to your jaw and ear.
If you know you have a tooth infection and you begin just to feel lousy, and like youre coming down with something, you should see your dentist right away. Feeling unwell or just flat-out tired is an early red flag that shouldnt be ignored.
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Tooth Infection Spread To Brain Symptoms
As we mentioned, an infection can travel and reach the brain. For this reason, you have to know this tooth infection spread to brain symptoms.
1 Fever
First and foremost, the most common symptom associated with an infection spread is fever. This symptom results from the bodys attempt to fight the virus or bacteria that causes the infection. Besides that, it may come along with chills as well.
2 Headache
Next to fever is a headache. However, it is not a typical one. With an infection spread to the brain, it often leads to a severe headache. Furthermore, this severe headache occurs in a single section of the head only. Unfortunately, not even painkillers can relieve this severe headache. That is why youll be needing a doctors help.
3 Mental State Changes
With an infection affecting your brain, it can also cause mental state and personality changes. For example, a person with this condition usually experiences confusion and gets irritated quickly. They may even have decreased responsiveness as well.
4 Vision Changes
A tooth infection spread to the brain can also cause changes in your eyes. Your vision may become blurry, greying, or perhaps a double vision. It is the effect of the pressure on your optic nerve because of the abscess.
5 Nerve Function Issues
An infection that reaches your brain can affect the function of your nerves. In effect, your muscles may feel weak, have speech problems, or become paralyzed on one side of the body.
6 Seizures
Symptoms A Tooth Infection Is Spreading To The Body
Toothaches are no joke. And were not just saying that because of the pain they can inflict. Were saying it because toothaches can be life-threatening. Thats right you can actually die from a toothache. Thats a scary thought.
If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to the rest of your body and cause major complications. An infection can enter your bloodstream and even make its way to your brain. As soon as you notice signs of an infection or tooth abscess, you should make an appointment with your dentist.
Tooth infections can be treated in a few different ways. Treatments may include a root canal, tooth extraction, or an antibiotic prescription, dependent on the individual situation. However, even if you seek treatment, knowing the symptoms and warning signs that the tooth infection is spreading is essential.
Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for that may suggest your tooth infection is spreading to your body.
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What Causes A Tooth Abscess
Anything that creates an opening for bacteria to get into the tooth or surrounding tissues can lead to a tooth infection. Causes include:
- Severe tooth decay: A cavity, or tooth decay, is the destruction of the hard surfaces of the tooth. This occurs when bacteria break down sugars in food and drink, creating acid that attacks enamel.
- Broken, chipped or cracked teeth: Bacteria can seep into any opening in a tooth and spread to the pulp.
- Gum disease : Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria gain access to deeper tissues.
- Injury to the tooth: Trauma to a tooth can injure the inner pulp even if theres no visible crack. The injury makes it susceptible to infection.
What Are The Warning Signs That A Tooth Infection Has Spread
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What Is A Tooth Abscess
First of all, let’s talk about what a tooth abscess is. Simply put, it is a pocket of pus in your tooth. Though it can occur anywhere in your tooth, it is common to see it at the tip of the tooth’s root.
The following symptoms are indicators that you have an abscess.
- A nagging toothache
- Sudden, extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
- Sensitivity while chewing and biting
- Facial swelling
- A pocket of pus on your gum line near the affected tooth
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
With proper treatment, a tooth abscess doesn’t normally get too severe. Your dentist will simply drain the infection. To save the tooth, you may need a root canal. It’s not the most fun way to spend an afternoon, but it’s a relatively simple fix.
Symptoms Of Tooth Infection Spreading To 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 :
- 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.
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When Is A Tooth Infection An Emergency
A dental abscess infection is always considered a dental emergency. Any visible gum swelling can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
During emergency treatment for a dental abscess, the surgeon will open up the abscess and drain it. This will relieve pressure and reduce any pain associated with the infection.
You will also receive prescription antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Get Treatment And Practice Prevention
If youre suffering from a tooth infection, dont wait to seek treatment. You should always contact your dentist at the first sign of a tooth infection or abscess. While you wait to see your dentist, you can treat discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Also, you should keep the infected tooth and area around it clean. Rinse with warm salt water to flush bacteria. Avoid chewing on that side if possible. Watch out for symptoms that your tooth infection is spreading.
Once you have been treated and your tooth infection is a thing of the past, take preventative measures to prevent another one from developing. Follow good oral hygiene that includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse. Stay up to date with your routine cleanings. The best way to keep your smile healthy and happy is through prevention. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
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Who Is More Likely To Get A Tooth Infection
People at higher risk for tooth infections include those with diabetes, people who smoke cigarettes or drink heavily, and the elderly.
Those who engage in high-risk behaviors are more likely to develop tooth decay.
In addition, people living in poverty have a higher risk of developing tooth infections due to poor dental hygiene and nutrition.
Types Of Tooth Infections & Abscesses
Periapical abscess: An abscess a the tip of your tooths root. It can be caused by a cracked tooth or cavity and spreads from the pulp inside of your tooth
Periodontal abscess: An abscess on your gum next to a tooth, caused by an infection that spreads to the bone and supporting tissues around your teeth.
Gingival abscess: An abscess resulting in an infection in your gums.
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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.
S You Can Take To Prevent Tooth Infections
To reduce the risk of serious complications and to avoid emergency dental surgery, always seek treatment for a tooth infection as soon as possible. You can also minimize your chances of getting a tooth infection by following these recommended guidelines:
- Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- Floss your teeth at least once a day
- Switch to a diet high in vegetables and fruits
- Avoid tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes
- Drink plenty of water daily
- Maintain regular check-ups and cleanings with your dentist
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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.
The Tooth Infection Is Drained
It may be necessary in some cases to drain the pus directly from the site of infection. Drainage to remove the pus from an abscess at the back of the mouth may happen at your dentist office .
Even though most tooth infections can be easily treated, treatment should never be delayed. Untreated tooth infections can cause the tooth infection to spread to other parts of the body. If a tooth infection spreads, it could become life threatening. Therefore, if you suspect that you have a tooth infection, seek immediate dental treatment. The most effective way to prevent a tooth infection is to have good oral health care. Limit your sugar intake, brush your teeth and floss twice daily, and have good dental care habits by visiting yourdentist for regular cleanings and exams.
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How K Health Can Help
Did you know that you can get online dental prescriptions for tooth infections?
to check your symptoms using our symptom checker and text with a doctor in minutes.
K Healths board-certified, U.S.-based doctors can provide a treatment plan and, if required, a prescription to resolve your symptoms as soon as possible. Clinicians are available 24/7.
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What Is A Tooth Infection Or Tooth Abscess
An infection or tooth abscess occurs when there is collected pus and bacteria, usually inside the tooth or gum. Additionally, if the person who has a tooth infection does not receive any treatment, a spread in other body parts can happen. In this case, it can lead to life-threatening conditions. So, please seek immediate treatment from the dentist.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection
It would be easy to identify if you have a tooth infection through the following symptoms.
- throbbing toothache
- bad taste and smell in the mouth
It would be best to pay attention to these symptoms of tooth infection. However, how can you know if your infection is already spreading to the body? In this case, lets focus on the heart. How can we know if a tooth infection has already reached this vital organ? We will find out about that in just a short while.
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Signs & Symptoms Of Tooth Abscess
You should seek treatment for a tooth abscess as soon as possible to avoid the spread of this infection. Some of the warning signs that indicate youre dealing with tooth abscess include the following:
- A severe toothache or tooth pain with dull pressure, aching, and throbbing or sharp pain
- Pain with or without chewing
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- In advanced infections, swelling of the jaw
- Sensitivity of the teeth to temperature change hot or cold
- An open, draining sore in the gums that may also cause a bitter taste in the mouth