An untreated and uncontrolled tooth infection can spread to different parts of the body and cause medical complications. That’s why it’s important to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as you notice an issue with your teeth, to prevent it from affecting other areas or your overall health. In this article, I will discuss the symptoms that indicate a tooth infection may be spreading.
How Do Teeth Become Infected?
A tooth can become infected in various ways. Tooth decay, a damaged filling, or trauma to a tooth can lead to infection. Bacterial growth and poor dental hygiene can exacerbate the infection.
Common symptoms of a tooth infection include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath
- Loss of taste
- Swollen gums
If the infection is not controlled, it can cause escalating and recurring pain, which can significantly impact your daily life. Tooth infections don’t spread to other areas overnight. It’s a gradual process that presents multiple symptoms. Here are the most common ones:
1. Pain
The first and most common symptom is pain. You may experience persistent tooth pain that could also lead to headaches. The pain can extend to your ears and jawbone.
Pain can result in sleep deprivation and even fatigue. If the infection and pain reach your inner ear, you may experience episodes of dizziness and nausea.
2. Swelling in the Gums
Tooth pain and infections can cause swelling in your face and gums. Once treated, the swelling should subside within a few days. If it persists longer, you should consult your dentist for a check-up.
Prolonged swelling can obstruct your ability to swallow or breathe. This is a significant sign that the infection is spreading and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious issues.
3. High Fever
Fever is a common symptom of any infection, as it is the body’s natural defense mechanism to alert you to an ongoing infection.
During a fever, your body fights to kill off any bacteria or invaders causing the infection.
If you’ve recently had a filling, tooth injury, or trauma and subsequently develop a fever, it could indicate the infection is spreading. Persistent high fever may even suggest that the spread is becoming severe.
4. Stomach Pain and Dehydration
Dehydration manifests as a decrease in urination. Your urine may appear darker than usual, indicating the second stage of sepsis (infection spread), which requires immediate intervention.
Stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting are also common symptoms at this stage. In fact, they can exacerbate dehydration and lead to further complications.
5. Increased Heart Rate
Lastly, you might notice an increase in your heart rate. Your heart may beat faster than normal, and you might experience difficulty breathing.
These symptoms are also signs of sepsis or other infections spreading through the body.
Prevention and Early Detection
Whether you have an infection or not, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. Sometimes, tooth infection symptoms remain hidden for long periods and only surface suddenly.
The best way to prevent the spread of tooth infections is through early diagnosis and treatment. If you experience persistent tooth pain or gum bleeding, you should consult your dentist.
Tooth infections are serious and can negatively impact your health. Brushing your teeth, flossing, eating healthily, and visiting your dentist regularly can prevent infections from developing. However, if you notice any of the symptoms of a spreading infection, seek diagnosis and treatment from your dentist immediately.