Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to Body

Types of Tooth Infections & Causes

Tooth infections, or dental infections, can range from mild to severe (even deadly if left untreated). A cavity can become large enough that it eventually reaches the nerve of a tooth. This allows bacteria to accumulate deeper into the tooth. An infection will start developing over time as the bacteria reach the nerves.

A dental abscess is the most common type of tooth infection. Abscesses develop from a bacterial infection that usually begins in a tooth’s soft pulp. Plaque, which is a by-product of food particles and saliva, contains cavity-causing bacteria. This bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) damage your teeth and gums over time, leading to cavity formation. 

Dental damage can also allow bacteria to spread to deeper parts of the teeth or gums, resulting in an abscess. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, and those taking certain medications (like steroids), also have an increased risk of developing a tooth abscess. 

Can Infected Teeth Make You Sick?

Poor oral hygiene and neglected dental care allow the harmful bacteria in your mouth to cause infections. Eventually, an untreated tooth infection (abscess) can make you sick. If left untreated, a dental abscess can have serious consequences on your oral health and entire body. 

When to Worry About a Tooth Infection

If you suspect you have a dental abscess, don’t wait until it ruptures to seek treatment. Dental infections should be treated promptly to prevent the spread of the infection. Common symptoms of a dental infection (abscess) that requires urgent dental care include: 

• Noticeable sore 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 sensitivity
• A severe, throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away
• Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck
• Pain when chewing or biting down

How Long Can a Tooth Infection Go Untreated?

If you wait too long to treat a tooth infection, it can begin spreading to other areas of your body, including the neck, head, or jaw. A dentist must professionally drain an abscessed tooth by extracting it or performing a root canal. Usually this includes draining pus and bacteria, which is why some people are actually unaware they have an infection. It is unpredictable to determine how long a dental abscess will drain until it stops and causes a facial cellulitis (swelling). You should never pop or squeeze an abscess because the infection can be pushed deeper into the tissues of your mouth. 

Risks of not treating a tooth infection promptly:

• Tooth loss
• Infection of the blood vessels inside the sinuses
• Bone infection surrounding the tooth
• Sepsis (a serious medical condition where the immune system overreacts to a blood infection)
• Brain abscess (rare, life-threatening infection)
• Parapharyngeal abscess (abscess at the back of the mouth)

Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body 

Abscesses can burst on their own, and the pain may diminish. However, it is essential to seek dental treatment because the bacteria can still spread beyond the tooth. 

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. 

Common symptoms of a brain abscess (cerebral abscess):

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

Tooth Infection Treatment Options

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

Dental Abscess Treatment (Drainage)

During this procedure, your dentist will make a small incision into your gums and drain the abscess. They will drain all of the pus out before stitching it back up to ensure the bacteria is removed. If your tooth is severely damaged or decayed, extraction will likely be necessary. You’ll need a dental implant after the tooth is surgically removed, which can cost up to $4,000. 

Root Canal Treatment 

Root canal treatment is necessary if you have a large cavity that has spread to the tooth’s pulp. This treatment can also involve abscess draining. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected dental pulp and drain the abscess. The root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed. Then a dental crown is placed on top of the root canal treated tooth.  

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat dental abscesses. After the abscess is drained, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up the remaining infection. Antibiotics alone do not cure abscesses. Depending on the severity of your abscess or infection, you may need oral antibiotics or IV antibiotics. 

Other Common Questions and Answers