9 Symptoms a Tooth Infection Is Spreading

Dental infections can take a dangerous turn when it’s not properly treated. It can spread far beyond the mouth and affect vital organs like the heart, stomach, and brain. 

Understanding the warning signs of a tooth infection can help prevent serious health issues and protect your overall health. Let’s discuss what symptoms you should be on the lookout for and what you should do.

What are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?

Without treatment, a tooth infection may spread to other body parts. Typically, it takes a few days to weeks for the infection to spread from the tooth to other body parts, but in severe cases, systemic infection can develop more rapidly.

The most common symptoms of a tooth infection include:

• Throbbing, severe pain in the tooth, mouth, or jaw
• Swelling in the mouth near the affected tooth
• Constant or spontaneous mouth pain
• Tooth pain caused by hot/cold foods and drinks
• Swelling of the face, cheeks, or neck
• Bad breath and/or taste in the mouth
• Swollen or tender lymph nodes
• Fever (severe cases)

Listen In Q&A Format

Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to Body

NewMouth Podcast

How Does a Tooth Infection Spread to the Body?

A tooth infection is a localized problem often caused by cavities, damaged teeth, or gum disease. Without proper treatment, harmful bacteria from these conditions can slip past the tooth’s protective barrier and travel throughout the body.

Here are the three main pathways by which these bacteria spread:

• Bloodstream — When you chew or brush your teeth, tiny blood vessels in the infected area can open just enough for bacteria to enter the bloodstream (transient bacteremia).
• Lymphatic system spread — Bacteria from an infected tooth can enter through the lymph nodes in your neck or under your jaw.  
• Direct tissue invasion — Bacteria can tunnel directly into nearby tissues 

Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body

If your tooth infection is beginning to spread, you will likely feel generally unwell and present with specific symptoms. 

Symptoms that a tooth infection has spread to other parts of the body include:

• Unease — You may experience a general feeling of unease alongside headache, dizziness, fatigue, fever, flushed skin, sweating, chills, diarrhea, and increased body temperature.
• Swelling — This can cause problems with opening your mouth and swallowing. It might also cause severe, painful swelling of the gums, cheek, or face.
• Dehydration — You may notice darker urine and less frequent urination due to the infection.
• Heart rate and breathing — When an infection spreads you may notice an increase in heart rate and breathing. You also may have trouble breathing.
• Nausea and mental changes — You may experience nausea, vomiting, confusion, and lightheadedness.

What Are the Signs of An Infection Spreading to the Brain?

A dental abscess can travel to the brain. Once there, it can develop another abscess, known as a cerebral abscess. 

If the infection has spread and reaches your brain, it can be life-threatening. While rare, a brain abscess requires urgent medical treatment.

Symptoms of a brain abscess include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Chills
• Visual changes
• Body weakness on one side
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Personality changes
• Going in and out of consciousness

If you suspect that you or your child may have a brain abscess, please seek medical treatment immediately. Your doctor will perform an MRI or CT scan to make a diagnosis. If they find an abscess, they will likely perform other tests to determine its origin.

Signs of Tooth Infection Spreading to the Mediastinum

Another potential risk of neglecting a tooth infection is the possibility of it spreading to the mediastinum. 

The mediastinum is the name of the chest cavity structure that holds your heart and other critical structures (like your trachea, esophagus, and thymus gland). It sits between your pleural cavities, which hold your lungs.

When bacteria from a tooth infection spread to the mediastinum, it can result in mediastinitis. 

Symptoms of Mediastinitis

Mediastinitis is a rare complication of an untreated tooth infection. Without prompt treatment, it can quickly become life-threatening.

Symptoms include shortness of breath, fever, and chills. If you show signs of mediastinitis in conjunction with your tooth infection, please seek medical treatment immediately.

What Are The Signs of A Tooth Infection Spreading into Blood?

If a tooth abscess is untreated, the bacteria can spread into your bloodstream, resulting in sepsis (blood infection). Sepsis is a serious, life-threatening condition. 

Early symptoms of sepsis include:

• Fever
• Change of mental state or disorientation
• Clammy or sweaty skin
• Chills
• Severe discomfort

Once you are septic, the condition can progress into septic shock within 12 to 24 hours. Septic shock causes your blood pressure to drop to a dangerously low level, which can result in death if not treated immediately.

If you experience any of the above symptoms of sepsis, please seek emergency medical care immediately.

When to See a Doctor

If you think you might have a dental infection, get treatment immediately. Schedule a dental appointment if you have a toothache or mouth swelling. 

Common symptoms of a dental infection that requires urgent treatment include: 

• Noticeable pimple under the gums (collection of pus)
• Swelling and inflammation near the affected tooth
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Loose tooth
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Tooth pain
• A severe, throbbing toothache that doesn’t resolve
• Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck
• Pain when chewing or biting down

Treatment Options for Tooth Infections

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

• Drainage — Typically used for dental abscesses to remove bacteria-causing pus.
• Tooth extraction — This is often used for severely damaged teeth that can’t be saved.
• Root canals — A deep cleaning procedure that helps stop cavities from spreading or draining an abscess.
• Antibiotics — Antibiotics can prevent the spread of infection before, during, and after treatment.
• Hospitalization — Severe infections may require hospitalization and IV antibiotics.
• Apicoectomy — A minor dental surgery that involves a surgical incision in the gum tissue to access the tip of the tooth's root. This procedure removes the infected root tip and seals the root end.
• Sepsis treatment — You’ll be taken to the intensive care unit (ICU). Doctors will use fluids and IV antibiotics to treat sepsis. You may need additional treatments if you have severe organ damage.

What Happens If You Delay Treatment?

Dental infection can lead to various dangerous health issues that can be potentially life-threatening. These include:

• Sepsis
• Brain abscess
• Heart complications
• Bone damage (osteomyelitis)
• Tooth loss
• Chronic pain
• Sinus thrombosis

Additionally, not getting treatment for dental infections can lead to expensive hospital and surgery treatment costs. The extended pain and anxiety can also affect sleep, appetite, and overall health.

How to Prevent a Tooth Infection

The best way to prevent a tooth infection is by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly. The cleaner and healthier you keep your mouth, the less likely you are to develop problems.

Some suggestions for maintaining your oral hygiene include:

• Brush your teeth twice a day 
• Use a fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Rinse with mouthwash before bed
• Limit sugar intake

Get professional teeth cleanings and dental check-ups at least every six months.