A tooth infection can cause quite a bit of pain and discomfort, making it difficult to get through the day. Some patients are surprised at the level of pain they are experiencing from one affected tooth. In the beginning stages, treatment is relatively easy because treating the tooth will alleviate the symptoms that you are experiencing.
But you can start experiencing other health issues if you have an untreated tooth infection spread to other parts of the body. When the infection moves beyond the mouth, then you need to act quickly to avoid severe consequences to your overall health.
The most important thing that you need to know is how to recognize the signs of a tooth infection and how to tell if the infection is spreading. Then, you will be able to determine the best timing to visit the dentist. Or, if the infection is systemic, then you might need to go straight to the emergency room for immediate medical care – depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Can a Tooth Infection Cause Other Problems in the Body?
You might be asking the dentist: Can a tooth infection affect your whole body? In the beginning stages, a tooth infection is only a localized issue affecting the gum and teeth in that area of your mouth. Usually, this infection starts because you have untreated cavities or gum disease. Sometimes, the onset of a tooth infection can happen because of other types of damage to the tooth, such as after an accident or trauma to the mouth.
The problem with these issues is that bacteria can multiply within the infection. Eventually, that bacteria can move into nearby tissues, which causes the infection to spread. As it becomes worse, bacteria can spread into the bloodstream and migrate to other areas of the body – including your major organs.
Any time the infection goes untreated and your body’s immune system is unable to control the infection, then it will continue spreading. Localized infections can move to the jawbone, nearby teeth, through the gums, and into the sinuses. If you have a tooth infection that spreads and goes systemic, then life-threatening conditions can occur if the infection reaches other organs.
10 Signs of a Tooth Infection Spreading
There are several signs that will indicate you have a tooth infection spreading in the mouth:
- Swelling is getting worse and affecting a larger area of the gums
- The pain is radiating through multiple teeth
- There are multiple abscesses and areas where the gums are bleeding
When you have a tooth infection spread to other parts of the body, then it might be time to seek both dental care and medical services. How do I know if a tooth infection has spread? Watch for these tooth infection symptoms spreading towards major organs, such as:
- Swelling in the neck, face, and jaw
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
- Problems with breathing
- Fever and chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue or confusion
- Red streaks on the skin (a sign of a sepsis infection)
What are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Brain?
Go straight to the emergency room without delay if there are signs a tooth infection is spreading to the brain:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe headaches
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Speech issues
- Seizures
- Weakness in the limbs
When the infection moves from the mouth into the brain, it can result in life-threatening conditions. For example, abscesses can form on the brain, or a patient might develop meningitis.
Does Removing a Tooth Take an Infection Away?
The most important thing you need to do is talk to an experienced dentist to determine the ideal treatment for your tooth infection. Often, the tooth can be saved by using modern dental treatments such as fillings and/or root canals.
But, there are times when the recommended treatment is to extract the tooth. If the infection is severe and the tooth is damaged beyond repair, then removing the tooth might be the only option. In this situation, the goal is to remove the source of the infection to prevent it from spreading.
The reality is that if the infection is severe, then a dental treatment won’t be sufficient as a standalone treatment. You also might require other treatments, such as antibiotics, so that residual bacteria can be cleared. Your dentist might recommend that you take oral antibiotics after the appointment and you should follow the dosage instructions precisely.
Or, if the infection turns to sepsis, then it’s likely that you will need to be hospitalized and IV antibiotics will be used. In this situation, the infection has spread to a point where it could cause severe and even life-threatening issues, so emergency medical interventions are necessary. Don’t delay treatment when the infection could be affecting your heart and other major organs.
Widespread Inflammation from a Tooth Infection
One underlying health issue that can occur when you have an untreated tooth infection is that the immune system is constantly fighting the infection, which leads to widespread inflammation. Over time, this takes a toll on the immune system and makes it harder for your body to fight against other types of diseases and illnesses.
Sometimes, patients will experience other health complications that seem unrelated to the tooth infection. But the reality is that the infection is weakening the immune system, which makes the person more vulnerable to other health issues.
The reality is that recurring infections increase the risk of many long-term health complications. So, the best thing you can do is seek dental treatments as soon as possible if there are any signs of a tooth infection.
How to Stop a Tooth Infection from Spreading
The best way to avoid these serious complications from a tooth infection spreading is by taking a proactive approach to your dental health. The daily habits that you are implementing on a regular basis make a big difference in reducing the risk of more severe dental and overall health issues in the future.
Even though daily habits such as brushing and flossing might seem simple, they are the most important things that you can do to protect your dental health. If you are diligent about brushing and flossing on a daily basis, then it will reduce the likelihood that you will experience dental infections that could lead to more severe complications down the line.
Make sure that you are proactive about visiting our dental office for regular checkups and cleanings. Not only does teeth cleaning help to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, but we can catch and treat potential problems in the earliest stages.
Also, the benefits of managing overall health should be considered to reduce infection risks. For example, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then managing your blood sugar levels is a critical step to reducing the risk of infections throughout the body.
Call myDental to Stop Tooth Infection Spread
When you have any signs of a tooth infection, then pick up the phone to schedule an appointment. Timely treatment is the best thing that you can do to protect your oral health.
If you would like to learn more about treatments for tooth infections and other common dental issues, then talk to us about our restorative dentistry services.
myDental offers full-service dental treatments at all of our convenient locations. Call at your convenience to book an appointment.