A tooth infection is a group of pus and bacteria that form inside your tooth and gum.
Tooth infections can spread to another part of the body and lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications if left untreated. To reduce the risk of infection, a person should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
In this post, we describe what happens when a tooth infection spreads to other parts of the body. We also give information on how to treat and prevent tooth infections.
I have already shared a post related to this topic: Natural Antibiotics For Tooth Infection. I hope you read this post.
Table of Contents
Symptoms of tooth infection
Symptoms of an infected tooth may include:
- Throbbing tooth pain
- Throbbing jawbone pain, ear or neck
- Pain that worsens when you lie down
- Sensitivity to pressure in the mouth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Cheek swelling
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
Tooth infection symptoms that spread to the body
If a tooth infection is not treated, it can spread elsewhere in your body, which can be potentially life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of the tooth infection may include:
You feel unwell
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
You run a fever
- Skin flushing
- Sweating
- Chills
Your face swells
- Swelling, which makes it difficult to open your mouth thoroughly, prevents swallowing and impedes breathing.
You become dehydrated
- Reduction in the 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
Symptoms of tooth infection spreading to heart
The study has found that people with untreated tooth infections are 2.7 times more likely to have heart disease, such as cardiovascular problems and coronary artery disease, than patients treated for dental infections.
Symptoms of tooth infection spreading to the heart may include:
- Inflammation in blood vessels and blood clot
- Cardiovascular problems
- Heart attack or stroke
- Rapid pulse rate
- Lightheadedness
- Chest pain
You must read this article: When To Go To The Hospital For Rapid Heart Rate?
How does a tooth become infected?
A tooth becomes infected when bacteria goes into the tooth through a crack or cavity. Your risk for having a tooth infection increases if you have:
- Poor dental hygiene, including not brushing or flossing your teeth regularly.
- A high sugar intake, including eating sweets or drinking soda.
- Dry mouth, which is often caused by a side effect of certain medications or by aging.
To learn more, you can read: Gingival Abscess
Anbesol delivers instant relief that takes you from ouch to ahhh! So, oral pain doesn’t hold you back. Anbesol Gel Maximum Strength provides instant pain relief for toothache. It can be used in the affected area up to 4 times daily.
When to see your dentist?
Not all tooth infections become a serious health issue. But if you’re experiencing symptoms of the infected tooth, it’s best to get treatment before it becomes worse.
Call your dentist for a same-day appointment you have symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Swelling
- Trouble breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Red gums
- Pain when biting or chewing
Also, you might find relief by:
- Taking ibuprofen
- Avoiding hot and cold foods and drinks
- Avoid chewing on the side of the tooth infection
- Eating only cool, soft foods
Detoxify and repair your mouth to help with tooth decay, gum infection, and sensitivity by adding this probiotics to your oral care kit. BUY NOW… 
Replenish the good
Oral probiotics for Bad Breath, Tooth Decay, Strep Throat
Boosts Oral Health and Combats halitosis
Contains Streptococcus salivarius BLIS K12 & BLIS M18
BEST PRICE
Can a tooth infection make you sick to your stomach?
The answer is Yes; a common symptom of a tooth infection spreading to the body includes stomach discomfort and stomach pain.
You may also begin to experience vomiting and diarrhea. Both of these symptoms will speed your rate of dehydration and cause even more severe problems.
Must read: Headache And Vomiting
When to see your doctor?
You should ask for emergency medical attention if you or your child has a high fever in the following measures:
- Adults: 103°F or higher
- Children: 102.2°F or higher
- Children 3 months and above: 102°F or higher
- Children younger than 3 months: 100.4°F or higher
Call your doctor immediately 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
Get instant relief from severe dental pains with Maximum Strength The ConfiDental DenTek Instant Oral Pain Relief. Our mouthguard is made from soft thermoplastic premium medical grade BPA Free and Phthalate Free material. It’s comfortable for you to use every day and night.
Prevention
You’re at increased risk of tooth infection if you don’t maintain good dental hygiene. Take good care of your teeth by:
- Brushing or flossing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
- Decreasing your sugar intake
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Avoiding smoking or tobacco
- Drinking fluoridated water
- Seeking professional dental care
A tooth infection could potentially travel to other areas of your body and result in a life-threatening infection if left untreated.
Frequently Asked Question
How long can a tooth infection go untreated?
The maximum period that an untreated tooth abscess can support is 12 months or more. But, such longevity is associated with harmful difficulties such as sepsis or even death. So, schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!
How long does it take for a tooth infection to spread?
It can potentially take several months for a dental abscess to form. Once an abscess has formed, noticeable pain or swelling around the affected tooth usually occurs. If left untreated, it may carry a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications.
Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?
If a tooth infection is untreated, it can grow to your face and neck. Painful infections can move to even more distant parts of your body. In occasional cases, the infection may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues throughout the body.
Can a tooth infection cause you to feel tired?
One side effect of having a dental abscess, in fact having any infection, is that it can cause someone to feel chronically tired.
Conclusion
Once your infected tooth has been treated, you may experience a little pain and tenderness. To relieve this pain, you can gently clean the area by swishing your mouth with saltwater. Also, over-the-counter pain relievers will help ease any discomfort. Follow the instructions that your dentist gives you.
Please do not neglect your infected tooth because it will not recover on its own, and the symptoms of infection will likely worsen quickly.
Suggested read:
I tried to cover as much as I could for Symptoms Tooth Infections, but if you still have a question in your mind, feel free to give us comment.
Do share this post with others who wanted to learn about health solutions in depth.
Sharing is caring ❤