Without proper treatment, tooth infections can spread to other areas of the body, leading to serious and potentially life threatening complications.
A tooth infection, or a tooth abscess, is a collection of pus and bacteria that forms inside the tooth or gum. To reduce the risk of complications, a person should seek treatment for a tooth infection as early as possible.
It is rare for a tooth infection to spread to other parts of the body. However, if this does happen, the consequences can be severe.
The following symptoms could indicate that a tooth infection has spread to other body parts. A person who has a suspected tooth infection and develops
- a painful tongue and mouth
- swelling of the face, cheeks, or neck
- difficulty swallowing
- trismus, or difficulty opening the mouth
- an itching or burning sensation on the skin
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
- severe headache
- double vision or loss of vision
- drooping eyelids
- difficulty breathing
- confusion
Optum Perks is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
The mouth is full of bacteria from foods, saliva, and plaque. Sometimes, these bacteria can enter a tooth or the area below the gumline, resulting in a tooth infection or an abscess.
An abscess is a pocket of pus and bacteria that forms within the body’s tissues.
In most cases, tooth infections are easily treatable. However, a person who does not receive prompt treatment is at risk of developing the following complications:
- Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone surrounding the tooth.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: This is an infection of the blood vessels within the sinuses.
- Cellulitis: Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and the fat directly beneath the skin.
- Parapharyngeal abscess: This is an abscess at the back of the mouth.
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a serious
medical condition in which the immune system severely overreacts to an infection in the blood.
Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to the face and neck, and severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body.
In some cases, such infections may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.
A person should contact a dentist at the first sign of a tooth infection. Early treatment stops the infection from spreading further.
If a tooth infection has spread, it is a medical emergency. These infections can quickly become widespread and severe. In some cases, systemic infections can even be life threatening.
As soon as possible, a person should contact a dentist for an emergency appointment. If no dentist is available, a person should visit the emergency department of their nearest hospital.
The type of treatment a person receives for a tooth infection depends on several factors, including:
- the initial location of the abscess
- whether and to what extent the infection has spread
- the extent of the immune system’s reaction to the infection
Some possible treatments for a tooth infection include the following.
Root canal treatment
Root canal treatment (RCT) may be necessary to treat an abscess deep inside the tooth.
The procedure involves drilling into the tooth to remove the tooth’s pulp, bacteria, and any accumulated pus inside the root.
The dentist then fills the space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. Once the tooth has healed, a dentist restores it with a crown or a permanent filling to prevent further infections.
Apicoectomy
Sometimes, RCT is not enough to treat a tooth infection. In such cases, a dentist may recommend an apicoectomy or a root-end resection.
This procedure involves opening up the gums, removing the end of the tooth root, and removing any infected tissue.
Antibiotics
A dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection and stop it from spreading before administering a more permanent treatment.
If the infection has already spread, a person
Drainage
In some instances, it may be necessary to drain pus directly from the site of the infection. For example, drainage may be necessary to remove pus from a dental abscess that has spread to the cheek.
To do this, a doctor or dentist numbs the area, creates a small incision, and drains pus and fluid from the gums.
Treatment of sepsis
Sepsis is a serious medical condition that occurs when the immune system severely overreacts to an infection in the blood. Untreated sepsis can lead to septic shock. With septic shock, a person’s blood pressure becomes dangerously low, which can lead to organ failure and even death.
People with sepsis need treatment in an intensive care unit. Such treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics and fluids.
Other treatments, such as dialysis or surgery, may be necessary to support the body’s organs and limit the damage resulting from the infection.
The following tips can help reduce a person’s chances of developing a tooth infection:
- brushing the teeth twice per day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride
- not rinsing the mouth or drinking anything immediately after brushing the teeth
- using floss or interdental brushes at least once per day
- limiting the intake of sugary foods and beverages
- visiting the dentist regularly
If a tooth infection does occur, a person should contact a dentist or doctor immediately.
How can a person know if their tooth infection has spread?
Signs a tooth infection has spread include symptoms such as a painful tongue and mouth, swelling of the face, cheeks, or neck, and difficulty swallowing.
Can a tooth infection affect the whole body?
Yes, a tooth infection can spread and affect the whole body. It can spread to the bone, blood vessels, skin, and fat if not treated promptly.
What are the signs of sepsis from a tooth infection?
Signs of sepsis include fever, chills, shivering, a rapid pulse, and difficulty breathing. Sepsis is life threatening and requires immediate intervention.
Most tooth infections are easily treatable. However, a tooth infection can spread to other body parts if a person does not receive prompt treatment. Once the infection has spread, it can quickly lead to severe and potentially life threatening complications.
People who suspect their tooth infection has spread should seek immediate medical treatment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the most effective way to prevent tooth infections. People can do this by limiting their sugar intake, brushing their teeth twice daily, and visiting the dentist regularly.