Signs That A Tooth Infection Has Spread
The main concern for a tooth infection thats been left untreated is the risk of spread to other areas of the body. When a tooth infection has spread to the face and neck, or worse, into the bodys tissues and system, it becomes a serious issue that requires emergency dental surgery.If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, its important to watch out for the following signs that indicate the infection is spreading.
Emergency dental clinic
How Long Does It Take For A Tooth Infection To Spread
Infections can be serious, and it is always important for patients to know when to call their dentist. Infections should always be treated right away to avoid complications, or other issues from developing. If you have a toothache and throbbing pain that does not go away, the infection could spread to other places in the body. At Orange County Center for Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we are equipped to handle any dental emergency, and offer flexible hours to accommodate our patients.
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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Surprising Effects Of An Infected Tooth
If youve had an infected tooth in the past, you know how painful it can be. But did you know that an infected tooth can affect your body and your overall health in unexpected ways? Tooth, gum, and mouth problems can cause severe pain and serious complications when left untreated, butnearly half of Americans fail to see their dentist every six months. While its never a smart idea to ignore any pain or infection in your body, an infected tooth can be serious and should always be treated by your dentist immediately, before it becomes a more serious problem. Read on to learn more about the dangers and also the suggested treatment of an infected tooth.
Home Treatment Of Dental Abscesses
Although essential oil of cloves can be used to manage the pain and sensitivity associated with dental abscesses, it will not cure the abscess. Abscesses will not go away on their own and cannot be treated at home. Untreated abscesses can develop secondary infections and other serious complications that are extremely hazardous to health . It is possible for an untreated abscess to become a medical emergency requiring urgent care from a doctor or dentist. It may also lead to jaw bone loss.
Only a qualified medical or dental professional is properly equipped to administer treatment for an abscess safely and effectively. It is strongly advised that people affected by abscesses, or who suspect they may have a dental abscess, seek out the advice of a dentist as soon as they can. It is not safe to try to drain an abscess at home or to leave an abscess untreated.
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You Experience Stomach Pain
You should call your doctor if you, your child, or your infant has a high fever. A high fever is defined as:
- adults: 103°F or higher
- children: 102.2°F or higher
- infants 3 months and older: 102°F or higher
- infants younger than 3 months: 100.4°F or higher
Get immediate medical attention if the fever is accompanied by:
A tooth becomes infected when bacteria gets into the tooth through a chip, crack, or cavity. Your risk factor for a tooth infection increases if you have:
- poor dental hygiene, including not brushing your teeth 2 times a day and not flossing
- a high sugar diet, including eating sweets and drinking soda
- dry mouth, which is often caused by aging or as a side effect of certain medications
What Causes Dental Abscesses
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
If you dont keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
The following can increase your chances of developing a dental abscess:
- poor oral hygiene plaque can build-up on your teeth if you dont floss and brush your teeth regularly
- consuming lots of sugary or starchy food and drink these can encourage the growth of bacteria in plaque and may lead to decay that can result in an abscess
- an injury or previous surgery to your teeth or gums bacteria can get into any damaged parts of the teeth or gums
- having a weakened immune system this includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, and those having treatment, including steroid medication or chemotherapy
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What Is The Treatment For A Dental Sinus
Removal of the entire tooth or necrotic dental pulp is the only successful treatment for a dental sinus.
Antibiotics such as penicillin or metronidazole may be also required.
The sinus will usually heal 12 weeks after extraction or successful endodontic treatment. There may be residual scarring if biopsies or surgery had been performed. Otherwise there might be a slight dimple or skin surface colour change that usually improves with time.
Symptoms Of Tooth Infection Spreading To Body
- Puffiness of the jaw area around the tooth
- Soreness of the tooth and surrounding areas
- Facial swelling on the side of the infected tooth
- Fever or elevated body temperature
- Headaches, migraines or ear aches.
Another way that dental infections can spread to your bloodstream is by swallowing food and drinking beverages which are some activities of daily living. Think about it, we chew and swallow food in the same mouth where dental bacteria in a deep cavity are residing. Do you think that is a healthy environment for your mouth and body?
The obvious way to prevent this is to simply brush, floss, and use mouth rinse regularly. The best dental advice I can give is to focus on prevention to stop these problems from occurring before they start.
Now that we have covered tooth-related infections, let us speak to gum-related infections.
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Contact Us For Tooth Infection Treatment
Individuals residing in South Florida who believe they might have a tooth abscess are urged to receive dental care as soon as possible. Dr. John Paul Gallardo, periodontist and founder of Gallardo Periodontics, Implant Dentistry and IV Sedation offers a wide range of treatments for patients with oral health issues.
Dr. Gallardo can assess a patients condition and suggest the best possible treatment options. Additionally, the experienced periodontist can perform other important procedures such as dental implants, gum treatments, cosmetic and hygienic treatments, and oral surgery. Dr. Gallardos office can be reached at -547-8687.
What Does A Sinus Toothache Feel Like
A sinus toothache will often feel much like the pressure of other areas experiencing discomfort in the sinuses. It may even be a throbbing, intense pain, because of the pressure on the nerves to the teeth. Typically, tooth pain due to sinus infection is not severe, although it can be a constant ache causing a great deal of discomfort.
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Causes Of Tooth Infection Spread
There are a few ways that a tooth infection can spread to the jawbone. The most common way is through the blood vessels. When bacteria from the disease enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the jaw bone and cause an infection. Another way that the tooth infection spreads to the jawbone is through direct contact with the infected tooth. If you have an open wound or sore in your mouth, bacteria from the infected tooth can enter and cause an infection.
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. Youll 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.
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How To Address Your Dental Abscess And Pain
A tooth abscess can develop from infections that cultivate inside a tooth. Bacteria can find its way inside a tooth when its chipped, broken or decayed. Once the bacteria get to the center of the tooth, and the tooth becomes infected, pus collects in the tooth. The pus in the tooth swells. A toothache results.
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What Are The Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth
In some cases, the area around the tooth hurts, but not always. If it does, itâs usually a sharp, throbbing pain, especially when you put pressure on your tooth. It might also spread to your jaw or other parts of your face on the side thatâs affected.
You might also notice:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- A bad odor when you chew with that tooth
Sometimes an abscess causes a pimple-like bump on your gum. If you press it and liquid oozes out, itâs a sure bet you have an abscessed tooth. That liquid is pus.
If you have swelling in your face and a fever, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room. The infection may have spread to other parts of your body.
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Diagnosis And Treatment Of An Abscessed Tooth
Besides examining your tooth and the surrounding area, your dentist may perform the following actions:
Lightly pat your teeth. If an abscess is found at the tooth root, its typically sensitive to touch or pressure.
Recommend an X-ray. An X-ray of the painful tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to verify whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other areas.
Recommend a CT scan. If the infection has expanded to other areas within the neck, a CT scan may be performed to evaluate how extensive the infection is.
The objective of treatment is to get rid of the infection. Your dentist may perform the following:
Open up and drain the abscess. The dentist will make a small incision into the abscess, so the pus can drain out, and then clean the area with salt water . In some cases, a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for drainage while the swelling diminishes.
Do a root canal. A root canal can effectively eliminate the infection and preserve your tooth. First, your dentist drills down into your tooth, takes out the diseased pulp and drains the abscess. The next step is filling and sealing the tooths pulp chamber and root canals. For stability, the tooth may be capped with a crown. If you take good care of your restored tooth properly, it can last for many years, if not a lifetime.
If you think you have a dental abscess, contact us straightaway.
Oral Soft Tissue Infection
An infection in one of the teeth that has roots leading to the sinus area can result in a sinus infection. This condition can be very painful and difficult to treat once it sets in.
Furthermore, any soft tissue inside the mouth and its surroundings are vulnerable to being affected by the infection.
When the abscess spreads to these areas, this can cause several complications ranging from problems with the airway to facial cellulite.
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How Do I Prepare For An Appointment With My Dentist For An Abscessed Tooth
To help you get ready for your appointment:
- Make a list of your symptoms include any that may seem unrelated to your tooth or mouth pain. Remember, your dentist can only help you when they know everything going on.
- Make a list of medications, vitamins, herbs or supplements you may be taking with the dosages of each.
You should prepare a list of questions to ask your dentist, including:
- Whats likely causing my symptoms and condition?
- Which tests do you recommend?
- What is the best course of action?
- Are there alternative to the primary
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Remember, your dentist wants to help keep you and your teeth healthy. Just like other medical professionals you may see, theyre an important part of the healthcare team. Be sure to see your dentist routinely and dont put off regular checkups prevention is key! These visits give your dentist a chance to spot problems early, when they may be easier to treat. If you are experiencing pain, its important to see your dentist to get the care you need.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/24/2020.
References
Increased Heart And Breathing Rate
Do you notice that your heart starts beating faster than normal? What about your breathing? Do you feel like you’re panting to get enough air?
Both of these are indications that sepsis is beginning to set in. If this happens to you, don’t wait to get in to see your dentist. You need to see a doctor right away.
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What Causes A Tooth Infection
The Canadian Dental Association says that most tooth infections are a result of untreated decay or cracked teeth. In either circumstance, when bacteria penetrates through your tooths enamel, it can cause an abscess. Tooth infections can also be a result of gum infection, as seen in some cases where gum diseases are present. If you experience bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth, it may be a sign that there is an underlying dental problem.
You may be at higher risk for tooth infections if you consume a high-sugar diet. Sugary foods create a plaque buildup that produces an acidity that will eventually eat away at the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities or abscesses.
Tip: If youre suffering from pain or have an infection, see your dentist sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more complicated the infection will get.
Feeling Sick All Over The Body
As an unchecked tooth infection starts to spread, you will start noticing the above symptoms more severely. Moreover, you will also start to feel these symptoms all over your body. An infection from your teeth can slip into your bloodstream, spreading these bad symptoms.
Some of the biggest signs that a tooth infection is spreading to the body include frequent headaches, feverishness, dizziness, and face swelling. It may get to the point where you are having difficulty opening or using your mouth because of the swelling. When that occurs, you should go to your local urgent care or emergency dentist to get rid of the infection ASAP.
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Treatment For A Tooth Infection
There are many ways for your dentist to treat the infected tooth. The type of treatment depends on several factors, like to what extent the infection has spread, and the initial location of the dental abscess. Read further as we explain the possible different treatment for a tooth infection.
Root Canal Therapy: It may be necessary to receive a root canal treatment. This can help treat abscesses deep inside the tooth. The root canal therapy procedure requires thedentist to drill into the tooth and remove the pocket of pus and bacteria at the root of the tooth. Once finished, thedentist will fill the space with a material called gutta-percha. After the tooth is healed, thedentist can restore the tooth with a dental crown, or a filling to prevent an infection from happening again.
What Is A Tooth Abscess
First of all, lets 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 tooths 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 doesnt normally get too severe. Your dentist will simply drain the infection. To save the tooth, you may need a root canal. Its not the most fun way to spend an afternoon, but its a relatively simple fix.
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How To Cure A Tooth Infection
If you have signs and symptoms of a tooth infection, it is important to call your dentist as soon as possible. Dentists can help in a few ways, but remember that this infection will not go away on its own- treatment is necessary.
If you notice the symptoms go away, and you are no longer in pain, this does not mean the infection is gone. An infection can eventually kill the nerves that cause pain in your tooth, meaning you wont feel it anymore. The infection is still present and can potentially spread to your body and damage the surrounding teeth and your gums.
- A dentist or endodontist can perform a root canal, which is a procedure in which the infected pulp in your teeth is removed to prevent further infection.