A tooth can become infected if bacteria penetrate it through a cavity or crack. Poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, and a high sugar intake can increase your risks of developing tooth infection. 

An infected tooth contains pus and bacteria and the infection can spread to the mouth and other areas of the body if not treated immediately. It’s crucial to seek dental treatment even if you’re not experiencing pain. 

The earlier the tooth infection gets examined and treated, the less complicated as well to address it. In this post, we talk more about tooth infection and how it can cause other problems. 

Signs you may have a tooth infection

Here are some signs that indicate tooth infection:

• Tooth pain that radiates to the ears, neck, and jawbone
• Pain that increases when you lie down
• Having bad breath
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Increased sensitivity to very hot or cold food and beverages
• Increased sensitivity to pressure in the mouth
• Swelling cheeks
• Fever

These are only some signs you can check. Note that you still need to see your dentist to determine if it’s a tooth infection and rule out other possible causes. 

Signs that the tooth infection may have spread to the body 

Here are some symptoms to check to see if the tooth infection may have already spread to other parts of the body:

• Feeling exhausted or fatigued
• Having fever
• Experiencing dizziness
• Sweating profusely
• Having chills
• Face swelling
• Having stomach pain and diarrhea
• Difficulties when opening the mouth, swallowing, eating, or speaking
• Difficulties when breathing
• Feeling dehydrated
• Increasing heart and pulse rate
• Decreased urination frequency

What happens if the tooth infection has spread?

The mouth is naturally filled with good and bad bacteria. But, sometimes, the harmful bacteria increase in number and get into a tooth through chips, cracks, or openings. This results in infection. 

A tooth infection usually isn’t serious and is treatable. But delaying check-ups and treatments can cause it to worsen and affect other areas of the body. For instance, if the abscess isn’t properly discharged or drained, it may spread to the jaw, head, and neck.

Here are other possible complications if a tooth infection is left untreated:

• Infection of the bone near the tooth area
• Developing a life-threatening infection called sepsis that attacks the immune systems and spreads throughout the body
• Developing skin infections
• Getting the blood vessels within the sinuses infected

Those with a weakened immune system are at increased risk of spreading infection.

When should you see your dentist?

A tooth infection can lead to other problems, but it doesn’t have to reach that point.

If the pain in your tooth lasts for more than a day or should you notice any irregularities, such as the presence of pus or swelling, see your dentist immediately.

Give us a call at (587) 328-1298 to schedule a dental appointment, even if there’s no pain in your mouth. 

And, remember, your first line of defense against tooth infections is good oral hygiene. It’s also easier, cheaper, and more convenient.

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