Abscess tooth fever chills. Tooth Infection Spreading to Body: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention
What are the signs of a tooth infection spreading. How can you prevent tooth infections. When should you seek medical attention for a tooth infection. What are the risk factors for developing a tooth infection.
Understanding Tooth Infections and Their Potential Spread
A tooth infection, often stemming from an untreated cavity or dental injury, can become a serious health concern if left unchecked. While it may begin as a localized issue, the infection can potentially spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe complications. Understanding the symptoms, risks, and prevention methods is crucial for maintaining optimal oral and overall health.
What Causes a Tooth Infection?
Tooth infections typically occur when bacteria enter the tooth through:
- A chip or crack in the tooth enamel
- An untreated cavity
- Deep decay reaching the tooth’s pulp
Once bacteria infiltrate these vulnerable areas, they can multiply and cause an infection, potentially leading to an abscess.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
Identifying the signs of a tooth infection early can help prevent its spread and facilitate timely treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent, throbbing tooth pain
- Pain that radiates to the jawbone, ear, or neck
- Increased sensitivity to pressure, hot, or cold stimuli
- Swelling in the cheek or face
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
Can a tooth infection cause fever and chills?
Yes, a tooth infection can indeed cause fever and chills. These symptoms often indicate that the infection is spreading beyond the localized area of the tooth. If you experience fever and chills along with tooth pain, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.
Signs of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body
When a tooth infection spreads beyond the oral cavity, it can lead to systemic symptoms that require immediate medical intervention. These signs may include:
- Elevated fever (103°F or higher in adults)
- Severe fatigue and general malaise
- Dizziness and confusion
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased breathing rate (over 25 breaths per minute)
- Severe facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing
- Dehydration symptoms (dark urine, reduced urination frequency)
- Gastrointestinal issues (stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting)
How quickly can a tooth infection spread to the body?
The speed at which a tooth infection spreads can vary depending on factors such as the individual’s immune system and the severity of the infection. In some cases, it may take days or weeks, while in others, it can progress rapidly within hours. This unpredictability underscores the importance of seeking prompt dental care at the first sign of a tooth infection.
Risk Factors for Developing a Tooth Infection
Certain factors can increase your susceptibility to tooth infections. Being aware of these risk factors can help you take preventive measures:
- Poor dental hygiene habits
- High-sugar diet
- Dry mouth conditions
- Weakened immune system
- Previous dental work or injuries
- Smoking or tobacco use
Does a high-sugar diet really increase the risk of tooth infections?
Yes, a high-sugar diet significantly increases the risk of tooth infections. Sugar provides food for bacteria in the mouth, leading to increased acid production. This acid can erode tooth enamel, creating entry points for bacteria and increasing the likelihood of cavities and subsequent infections.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Tooth Infection
Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial in preventing the spread of a tooth infection. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience:
- A toothache lasting longer than 1-2 days
- Severe pain that interferes with daily activities
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Fever accompanying tooth pain
For more severe symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain, seek emergency medical care as these may indicate a spreading infection.
Should you go to the emergency room for a tooth infection?
While most tooth infections can be treated by a dentist, there are situations where emergency room care is necessary. If you experience high fever, severe swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, or signs of sepsis (a life-threatening reaction to infection), go to the emergency room immediately. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread beyond the tooth and requires urgent medical intervention.
Treating Tooth Infections: From Home Remedies to Professional Care
While professional dental care is essential for treating tooth infections, there are some measures you can take at home to manage symptoms while awaiting treatment:
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce swelling and pain
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek
- Avoid hot or cold foods and drinks
- Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce pressure
However, these remedies are not substitutes for professional care. Dentists may treat tooth infections through:
- Draining the abscess
- Performing a root canal
- Extracting the infected tooth
- Prescribing antibiotics for systemic infections
How effective are antibiotics in treating tooth infections?
Antibiotics can be highly effective in treating tooth infections, especially when the infection has spread beyond the tooth. However, they are typically used in conjunction with dental procedures rather than as a standalone treatment. Antibiotics help control the spread of infection and reduce symptoms, but addressing the source of the infection through dental intervention is crucial for long-term resolution.
Preventing Tooth Infections: Essential Oral Hygiene Practices
Prevention is key when it comes to tooth infections. Implementing good oral hygiene habits can significantly reduce your risk:
- Brush teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss at least once a day
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Quit smoking or using tobacco products
- Stay hydrated to maintain saliva production
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings
How often should you replace your toothbrush to maintain good oral hygiene?
To maintain optimal oral hygiene, you should replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or worn. Using a worn toothbrush reduces its effectiveness in removing plaque and bacteria, potentially increasing your risk of tooth decay and infections.
The Link Between Oral Health and Overall Well-being
The connection between oral health and overall well-being is increasingly recognized in the medical community. Poor oral health can contribute to or exacerbate various systemic health issues, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
- Pregnancy complications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Maintaining good oral hygiene not only prevents tooth infections but also contributes to better overall health. Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of oral health issues and prevent more serious complications.
Can poor oral health really affect heart health?
Yes, there is a significant link between oral health and heart health. Bacteria from gum disease and tooth infections can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammation in blood vessels and increasing the risk of cardiovascular issues. Studies have shown associations between poor oral health and an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. This underscores the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as part of overall health management.
Understanding the symptoms, risks, and prevention methods for tooth infections is crucial for maintaining both oral and overall health. By recognizing early signs of infection, seeking prompt treatment, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing serious complications from tooth infections. Remember, your oral health is an integral part of your general well-being, and investing in proper dental care can have far-reaching benefits for your quality of life.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to Body
Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to Body
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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on February 14, 2023
If an infected tooth causes fever, fatigue, or other symptoms, the infection may be spreading to your body. You may need medical attention.
It starts with a toothache. If your sore and throbbing tooth is left untreated, it could become infected. If your tooth becomes infected and isn’t treated, the infection could spread to other places in your body.
Symptoms of an infected tooth can include:
- throbbing tooth pain
- throbbing pain in the jawbone, ear or neck (typically on the same side as the tooth pain)
- pain that worsens when you lie down
- sensitivity to pressure in the mouth
- sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- cheek swelling
- tender or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- fever
- bad breath
- unpleasant taste in mouth
If an infected tooth is not treated, the infection could spread elsewhere in your body, which is potentially life-threatening. Signs and symptoms that the infection in the tooth has spread include:
You feel unwell
- headache
- fatigue
- dizziness
You run a fever
- skin flushing
- sweating
- chills
Your face swells
- swelling that makes it difficult to fully open your mouth
- swelling that impedes swallowing
- swelling that impedes breathing
You become dehydrated
- reduction in frequency of urination
- darker urine
- confusion
Your heart rate increases
- rapid pulse rate
- lightheadedness
Your breathing rate increases
- over 25 breaths per minute
You experience stomach pain
- diarrhea
- vomiting
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:
- chest pain
- difficulty breathing
- mental confusion
- atypical sensitivity to light
- seizures or convulsions
- unexplained skin rash
- persistent vomiting
- pain when urinating
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
Not all toothaches become serious health concerns. But if you’re experiencing a toothache, it’s best to get treatment before it gets worse.
Call your dentist for a same-day appointment if your toothache lasts longer than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- fever
- swelling
- trouble breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- red gums
- pain when chewing or biting
If you have a broken tooth or if a tooth comes out, see your dentist right away.
While you’re waiting to see the dentist, you might find relief by:
- taking ibuprofen
- avoiding hot or cold drinks and food
- avoiding chewing on the side of the tooth ache
- eating only cool, soft foods
You’re at risk of tooth infection if you don’t have good dental hygiene. Take good care of your teeth by:
- brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- flossing your teeth at least once a day
- decreasing your intake of sugar
- eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables
- avoiding tobacco products
- drinking fluoridated water
- seeking professional dental care
If untreated, a tooth infection could potentially travel to other areas of your body, resulting in a potentially life-threatening infection. Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:
- fever
- swelling
- dehydration
- increased heart rate
- increased breathing rate
- stomach pain
Call your dentist for a same-day appointment if you or your child experience any of these symptoms in addition to a toothache.
Last medically reviewed on May 28, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Dental abscess. (2019).
nhs.uk/conditions/dental-abscess/ - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Fever.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Tachycardia.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tachycardia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355127 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Toothache: First aid.
mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-toothache/basics/art-20056628 - Mayo Clinic Staff. (2019). Tooth abscess.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901 - Park SB, et al. (2019). Tachypnea.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541062/ - Vital signs. (2019).
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10881-vital-signs - When an infection attacks the heart. (2016).
health.harvard.edu/heart-health/when-an-infection-attacks-the-heart
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Feb 14, 2023
Written By
Scott Frothingham
Edited By
Heather Hobbs
May 28, 2019
Written By
Scott Frothingham
Edited By
Heather Hobbs
Medically Reviewed By
Christine Frank, DDS
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Medically reviewed by Christine Frank, DDS — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on February 14, 2023
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5 Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Rest of the Body
Did you know that you can die from a toothache? That’s a sobering thought.
Most of the time toothaches are caused by infections that are merely painful inconveniences. But if the infection worsens and spreads to the rest of the body, it can be serious. For a small number of people, it’s even deadly.
To avoid this happening to you, you can simply learn the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body. Then you’ll know when to seek immediate medical attention for your annoying toothache.
What Is a Tooth Abscess?
First of all, let’s 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 tooth’s 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 (like a large pimple) on your gum line near the affected tooth
- Swollen lymph nodes under your jaw
With proper treatment, a tooth abscess doesn’t normally get too severe. Your dentist will simply drain the infection. To save the tooth, you may need a root canal. It’s not the most fun way to spend an afternoon, but it’s a relatively simple fix.
What Are The Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body?
If an abscess ruptures, you may notice a sudden foul taste or even salty fluid in your mouth. You’ll probably also notice that your pain subsides and think that you are out of the woods.
Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily true.
The rupture can be one of the first signs that the infection is beginning to spread. If it enters the bloodstream it can cause a serious condition called sepsis. This is when things get life-threatening.
If you notice the rupture, seek medical help immediately. However, the abscess won’t always rupture on its own. Or it may rupture when the problem has already become quite severe.
Thus, if you notice any of these other 5 symptoms, even without an obvious rupture, you should seek emergency medical help at once.
1. Feeling Unwell
The first thing you may notice is that you start to feel unwell. That nagging toothache may turn into a nagging headache. The pain may also travel up your jawbone and into your ear.
You may also notice that you start to feel fatigued like you are about to come down with something. In some cases, you may have bouts of dizziness as the pain and infection interfere with the workings of your inner ear.
2. Fever
Fever is your body’s natural defense against infection. A body temperature that is too high is a hostile environment for many of the bacteria that cause infection. Thus, your body is attempting to kill off the invaders.
The trouble is that a high body temperature isn’t necessarily good for your body and the good things in it either. If your fever stays consistently above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, this could be an indication that sepsis is beginning to set in. Likewise, a drop in temperature below 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit could also be a symptom.
You may also experience chills and shivering–classic fever symptoms.
3. Swelling
Minimal swelling in your face is a normal symptom of the abscess. But if it persists or you are not able to get in to see your dentist, go to the emergency room.
Left untreated it can begin to affect your breathing and swallowing. Not only is this a sign that the infection is spreading, but also it can be life-threatening if it closes off your airway enough.
4. 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.
5. Dehydration and Stomach Pain
You may notice that you don’t have to pee very much. And when you do, your urine is a darker color than normal. This means that you’re getting dehydrated and moving into the second stage of sepsis.
You may also begin to experience stomach pain and even diarrhea and vomiting. Both of these symptoms will speed your rate of dehydration and cause even more severe problems.
Prevention
Knowing how to avoid an abscess altogether is even better than knowing the symptoms of one that’s spreading. Be sure to maintain good oral health habits like these.
- Brush twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Use mouthwash to help kill unwanted bacteria
- Swap out your toothbrush for a new one every 3-4 months
- Visit your dentist as recommended
- Avoid eating too much sugar
These are all simple tips that should already be a regular part of your oral care routine. If not, though, maybe learning about the seriousness of an abscess and what a tooth infection can do to you will be a motivating factor.
Stay Healthy!
Do yourself a favor. Know these symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body so you’ll know what to watch out for. And practice good oral hygiene and health every day to reduce the risk of ever having to deal with something as unpleasant as an abscessed tooth, root canal, or sepsis.
Looking for a new dentist? We’re here to help! Feel free to contact us today to learn about and schedule preventative services. We also provide emergency care if you think you may already have an abscess that needs to be taken care of.
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Tooth abscess – causes, methods of treatment in the clinic and at home – ROOTT
The gums are reddened, swollen, sore – these are classic signs of a tooth abscess, an inflammatory process in which pus forms. Accumulating in the cavity, as in a bag, pus causes swelling of the gums. In the people it is called flux.
Purulent inflammation can lead to serious consequences, so it is impossible to self-medicate if the gums are swollen. In dentistry, the cause of the abscess will be determined and specific treatment will be carried out.
Purulent abscess of the tooth – causes
When immunity is weakened, as a result of trauma or infectious diseases of the teeth, pathogens penetrate into the tissues surrounding the tooth (periodontium). In response to this, the body produces special cells, neutrophils. They neutralize pathogens, but die themselves. Pus is the remnants of dead cells, destroyed proteins of bacteria and neutrophils.
In dentistry, there are 3 types of abscess, depending on the cause:
- Periapical
A purulent sac is formed at the top of the root.
- Periodontal
An abscess occupies a space between the gum and the root.
- Desnevoy
Localized in soft tissues, does not affect the root.
The type of abscess depends on how the pathogens have entered the tissues.
Caries leading to periodontitis
Advanced caries destroys the hard tissues of the tooth and penetrates into the pulp – the neurovascular bundle. Most often, pulpitis is accompanied by severe pain, but in some cases, the pain is not very pronounced, paroxysmal. If pulpitis is not treated in time, the tissues around the root become inflamed, periodontitis develops. Active formation of pus begins. Soon the pouch sticks out under the mucous membrane of the gums. In some cases, the root abscess breaks and a fistula forms in the gum, through which the pus comes out. Due to the fact that the pressure on the tissues is reduced, the patient experiences a feeling of relief. However, the formation of a fistula does not mean recovery. The inflammatory process continues and will eventually lead to tooth loss.
Incorrect treatment
Periodontitis can result from the negligence of a doctor. If the canals of the tooth are not completely sealed, then bacteria begin to multiply in the resulting voids, provoking an inflammatory process.
An abscess after tooth extraction occurs in 2 cases:
- The surgeon did not calculate the forces and caused injury during the extraction, damaging the bone tissue.
- The patient did not follow the recommendations of the dentist, which led to the penetration of pathogens into the wound.
Periodontitis
When the periodontium (tissues and ligaments that hold the tooth in the socket) becomes inflamed, the dentogingival attachment weakens, the gum ceases to fit snugly against the tooth, and tartar accumulates in the gap (periodontal pocket). It is a landing site for bacteria that multiply rapidly, causing the body’s immune response, which means the formation of pus. A swelling is formed in the projection of the pocket. It can be an abscess of the front tooth or side. Where the pocket is deeper, the likelihood of suppuration is higher.
Pericoronitis
Teething, especially third molars (wisdom teeth), can become painful. If the incorrect location or thick mucosa does not allow the “eight” to cut through completely, a hood of mucous forms on the tooth. There are leftover food. As they decompose, they provide nutrients for bacteria, which in turn cause inflammation. It can spread to the gum, forming a wisdom tooth abscess.
Trauma
It happens that when brushing your teeth, while eating or with poor-quality prosthetics, the gums are injured. The integrity of the mucous membrane is broken. Pathogens that are always present in the oral cavity penetrate inside. As a result of their active reproduction, accumulation of pus begins, a gingival abscess develops.
Symptoms
It all starts with slight pain when biting. Then there is swelling on the gum. The pain syndrome is growing. The general condition worsens. The temperature rises, Pain gives to the ear and head. Lymph nodes increase in size, an abscess develops independently of the upper tooth, or the lower one. A putrid odor comes from the mouth. When the abscess breaks through, a fistula is formed. It exudes pus. When the acute process subsides, the fistula closes, but only until a new aggravation.
Treatment
Diagnostic measures help determine the cause and plan treatment.
For diagnostic use:
- Patient interview
- Visual inspection
- Radiography
An x-ray will help identify the causative tooth and show what is causing the suppuration: root inflammation, periodontal pocket or trauma.
At this stage, the decision is made whether to extract or save the tooth.
If it is decided to save the tooth, then the algorithm of therapeutic measures for periodontitis is as follows:
- All tissues affected by caries are removed.
- The tooth is depulped, the canals are left open.
- If the channels have already been treated, then the old fillings are removed, the channels are cleaned, but not sealed. This facilitates the outflow of pus. If there is a crown on the tooth, they immediately proceed to the next stage.
- The gum is opened. Insert drainage. After a while it is removed. This step is not always carried out.
- Medical paste is inserted into the canals of the tooth. The cavity is closed with a temporary filling. After 4-8 weeks, a follow-up examination is carried out. If there is no recurrence, the canals are sealed with gutta-percha, a permanent filling is placed on the tooth.
If therapeutic methods do not help, or a fixed prosthesis is on the tooth, then a surgical method is used. The top of the root is amputated, eliminating the cause of inflammation. At the same time, a tooth cyst, abscess or granuloma is removed.
The treatment regimen for periodontitis is somewhat different. The main method of removing pus is open curettage or flap surgery. The periodontist exfoliates the gum flap, opens access to the root and cleans it from hard plaque and decomposition products. The wound is disinfected, sutures or a periodontal bandage are applied. After a week, the stitches are removed.
Gingivectomy is performed in mild cases. An incision is made on the gum through which the pus is removed.
For pericoronitis, the hood is excised, allowing the tooth to erupt. It also ensures free outflow of pus. The wound is treated with an antiseptic solution, a bandage is applied.
In case of injury, the irritant is removed. If the gum injures the prosthesis, it is changed. A foreign object (a fish bone, for example) is removed. Provide an outflow of exudate.
Regardless of the cause of the abscess, antimicrobial therapy is mandatory. For better healing, dentists recommend salt baths for several days.
Common non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as paracetamol can help relieve pain. After opening the abscess, relief quickly comes and painkillers are required only in the first day or two.
Home remedies
Folk healers advise rinsing the mouth with saline, soda solutions, infusions of sage, calendula, chamomile. It is recommended to use propolis in the form of alcohol lotions.
These remedies may temporarily relieve pain, but they do not eliminate the cause of the inflammation. Therefore, relief is temporary, inflammation increases and can result in serious complications. And alcohol infusions also lead to a chemical burn of the mucous membrane.
A tooth abscess cannot be cured without the intervention of a dentist. Only an integrated approach to treatment can stop the inflammatory process.
Why an abscess is dangerous
If the symptoms of inflammation are not very pronounced, most people postpone a visit to the dentist. This leads to complications, develops:
- Chronic tooth abscess
The disease acquires a cyclic character: pus-fistula-outflow of pus-closure of the fistula. Then a cold, exacerbation of common diseases or another reason provokes a new cycle. Each time, the risk that pus will penetrate deep into the tissues or be carried by the bloodstream throughout the body increases.
- Phlegmon
This is already a diffuse purulent process that captures large areas. There is a strong intoxication of the body, the general condition worsens. Phlegmon is dangerous for its main complication – blood poisoning.
- Sepsis
As a result of the fact that the infection spreads throughout the body, sepsis affects all organs, leading to their failure. Causes fever, drop in blood pressure. Treatment of sepsis is difficult, the prognosis is not always favorable.
Prevention
The easiest and most effective way to prevent is daily oral hygiene. With its help, most of the plaque is removed, which means that the risk of developing caries and its complications is significantly reduced.
Professional teeth cleaning prevents the formation of tartar, minimizes the possibility of periodontitis.
A visit to the dentist once every 6 months allows you to detect dental diseases in time, before they become complicated by the formation of an abscess.