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Can A Tooth Infection Spread In The Body?

Without proper treatment, tooth infections can spread to other areas of the body, and this can lead to serious and potentially life threatening complications. To reduce the risk of complications, a person should seek treatment for a tooth infection as early as possible.

In this article, we outline what happens when a tooth infection spreads. We also provide information on how to treat and prevent tooth infections.

What happens when a tooth infection spreads?

The mouth is full of bacteria from foods, saliva, and plaque. Sometimes, these bacteria can enter into a tooth or below the gumline, resulting in a tooth infection or abscess. An abscess is the medical term for 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 delays treatment is at risk of developing the following complications:

Osteomyelitis: An infection of the bone surrounding the tooth.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis: An infection of the blood vessels within the sinuses.

Cellulitis: An infection of the skin and fat directly beneath the skin.

Parapharyngeal abscess: An abscess at the back of the mouth.

Sepsis: 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. Severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body. In some cases, they may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.

Signs and symptoms

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 another part of the body. A person who has a suspected tooth infection and develops any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

painful tongue and mouth

swelling of the face, neck, and cheeks

itching or burning sensation on the skin

nausea

vomiting

fever

severe headache

double vision or loss of vision

drooping eyelids

difficulty breathing

confusion

When to see a doctor

A person should see their dentist at the first sign of a tooth infection. Early treatment will help prevent the infection from spreading into other tissues.

A tooth infection that has spread is a medical emergency. Such infections can quickly become widespread and severe. Systemic infections can be life threatening.

A person should contact a dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. If there are no dentists available, a person should visit the emergency department of their nearest hospital.

A dentist or doctor will provide treatments to target the infection and stop it from spreading further.

Treatment

The type of treatment that a person receives for a tooth infection will depend 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

Prevention

The following tips should help reduce a person’s chances of developing a tooth infection:

brushing the teeth twice a day using a toothpaste that contains fluoride

avoiding rinsing the mouth or drinking anything immediately after brushing the teeth

using floss or interdental brushes at least once a day

limiting the intake of sugary foods and drinks

visiting the dentist regularly

If a tooth infection does occur, a person should see their dentist or doctor immediately.

Summary

Most tooth infections are easily treatable. However, if a person delays treatment, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body. Once the infection has spread, it can quickly lead to severe and potentially life threatening complications.

A person who suspects that their tooth infection has spread should, therefore, seek immediate medical treatment.

The most effective way to prevent tooth infections is to maintain good oral hygiene. People can do this by limiting their sugar intake, brushing their teeth twice a day, and visiting the dentist regularly.

(08/05/2021)
by Medical News Today

More Information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-to-body

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