
Did you know that an estimated 66,000 deaths worldwide happen each year because of complications from a tooth infection? Even though the symptoms are mild in the beginning, it’s critical to seek dental treatment as soon as possible because of the potential health effects that can happen because of an infection. You might be surprised to hear that this tooth infection can cause life-threatening complications within 48 – 72 hours if the infection is left untreated.
In this article, we are taking a closer look at the way infections spread from the mouth to the rest of the body. Additionally, you will learn how to tell if your infection is spreading and when you should be seeking emergency care for a tooth infection. The goal is to stop the infection in the earliest stages to help you avoid hospitalization and critical medical care.
A Cavity Can Turn into a Crisis When the Infection Spreads
If bacteria damage your teeth and cause cavities, then it’s possible for an infection to develop within the tooth or in the gums around the teeth. An infected tooth is more than an inconvenience. The infection can cause a pocket of pus to develop, and it’s possible for this infection to spread to other areas of your body.
There are three ways that your oral infection can spread. These pathways include:
- Through the jawbone and tissue into other areas of the face
- Through the bloodstream, which can bring the infection to the heart and brain
- Through the fascia to reach the chest and neck
Most of the time, tooth infections can be treated in the earliest stages to prevent these issues. But if you ignore the symptoms and leave the infection untreated in your mouth, then it could spread into a bigger infection that threatens your overall health.
Timeline Considerations: When Infection from a Tooth Spreads
In the beginning, the bacteria and infection are localized in one area of your mouth. But it can start to spread, especially if the infection reaches your bloodstream. The most common timeline for the spreading of a dental infection looks like this:
- Localized Pain: The initial symptoms are centered around the tooth infection. You will feel pain, discomfort, and see swelling in the gums around the tooth. You might also notice the formation of an abscess at the base of the tooth. This is the optimal time to seek dental treatment because early interventions can be used to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Swelling Spreads: Next, you might notice that the swelling starts to spread to other areas of your face. If you notice swelling in the face, then you should contact a dentist without delay.
- Systemic Spread: At this point, the infection enters the bloodstream, and the immune system can’t keep up with the battle. This condition is known as sepsis.
System-Wide Infection from a Bad Tooth Infection
The harsh reality is that if an infection from a tooth causes sepsis, then your immune system can become overwhelmed, and your body won’t be able to keep up. Some of the common signs of this whole-body infection include:
- High fever, often over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heart rate increases to over 90 beats per minute
- Disorientation or confusion can set in
- Extreme discomfort or pain
- Breathing problems can start to develop, such as rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Severe pain that isn’t alleviated with medication
If the tooth infection is the root cause of the whole-body infection, then you will likely notice other symptoms such as:
- Facial swelling moving into the eye or neck
- Difficulty swallowing or moving your mouth normally
- Dehydration (because it’s hard to drink)
- Red streaks on the skin, which indicates the lymph node is working to fight the infection
Do You Need to Go to the Emergency Room?
When does a severe tooth infection become an emergency? If you are wondering whether you need emergency treatment, then it’s critical that you contact our dental team as soon as possible. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, then you need to seek emergency dental care immediately.
Don’t wait to see if other symptoms come up, especially when the airway is involved. Remember that emergency complications can develop rapidly. The further the infection progresses, the more challenging it is to treat. So, the best solution is to take a proactive approach with early interventions as soon as you have the first signs of a tooth infection.
Even if it’s the weekend, you should seek emergency dental care right away. Waiting out the weekend and delaying care can increase the risk of hospitalization by 40%.
Treatment Solutions for Tooth Infections and Spreading Infections
The ideal solution is to visit our dental clinic when the initial symptoms begin, because we have modern dental treatments to stop the infection and prevent its spread. Your personalized treatment plan might include a filling, root canal, tooth extraction, antibiotics, and more.
But if you delay tooth infection treatment with a dentist, then it might be necessary to go straight to the hospital when sepsis is a concern. In this situation, the treatments turn from dental care to life-saving medical care. You might receive immediate IV antibiotics to start fighting the infection. Other potential treatments might include a CT scan to see where the infection is spreading, surgical drainage, airway management, and pain management.
An uncomplicated case can result in 2 – 4 days in the hospital. But if you have a severe infection, then it might require 1 – 2 weeks of hospital treatment.
FAQ
Can you be hospitalized for a tooth infection?
Yes, it’s possible for the infection to spread and lead to serious, life-threatening complications. An estimated 90,000 people in the United States are hospitalized each year for health issues relating to tooth infections.
What are signs of sepsis from a tooth infection?
Signs of sepsis include a high fever (over 101 F), rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, extreme pain, and clammy skin. If you have these symptoms, then it’s essential that you seek emergency medical care without delay.
What happens if tooth infection spreads to body?
An infection that starts in the mouth can spread through the rest of the body, causing sepsis. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
What will ER do for a tooth infection?
The most common treatments include IV antibiotics, pain management, surgical drainage, and keeping the airways open (if applicable). You might be admitted to the hospital for continued IV treatment and monitoring.
Proactive Dental Care to Prevent Complications
Don’t wait to call our team if you think that you have a tooth infection. We offer preventive dentistry services and full-service care. Our goal is to use minimally invasive treatments whenever possible, helping you avoid bigger complications in the future.
Our team at myDental is here to help. Reach out right away for more information. You can schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.