---

An infected tooth, often caused by deep decay, gum disease, or trauma, can have significant consequences on overall health if left untreated. Here’s how it can affect your body:

1. Spread of Infection

• Abscess: The infection in the tooth can form a pus-filled pocket (abscess), causing severe pain and swelling.
• Sepsis: In severe cases, the infection can spread through the bloodstream, leading to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that causes systemic inflammation and organ failure.

2. Heart Health Risks

• Endocarditis: Bacteria from a tooth infection can enter the bloodstream and infect the heart’s inner lining, leading to endocarditis, a potentially deadly condition.
• Increased Heart Disease Risk: Chronic oral infections are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke due to inflammation and bacterial spread.

3. Sinus Infections

Since the roots of upper teeth are near the sinuses, an infected tooth can cause sinusitis or worsen existing sinus problems, leading to headaches, facial pain, and congestion.

4. Respiratory Issues

Inhalation of bacteria from an infected tooth can affect the lungs, potentially contributing to conditions like pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

5. Diabetes Complications

Infections, including those in the mouth, can make blood sugar levels harder to control in people with diabetes, worsening the condition and increasing the risk of complications.

6. Bone Loss

The infection can erode the surrounding jawbone, leading to tooth loss and impacting the structure of the face over time.

7. Weakened Immune System

Chronic infection drains the body’s resources and weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight other infections or heal properly.

Addressing an infected tooth promptly with treatment such as root canals, antibiotics, or extractions can prevent these complications and protect overall health.

What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body?

When a tooth infection spreads beyond the affected tooth and begins to impact other parts of the body, it can lead to serious health issues. The symptoms of a spreading tooth infection (also called a dental abscess) can be alarming and should be addressed immediately. Here are key signs that a tooth infection may be spreading:

1. Fever

A high fever is a sign that your body is fighting off a systemic infection. If you develop a fever alongside a toothache, it may indicate the infection is moving beyond the tooth.

2. Swelling

• Face and Jaw Swelling: Infections that spread can cause noticeable swelling in the face, jaw, neck, and even the cheeks.
• Lymph Nodes: Swollen or tender lymph nodes, particularly in the neck or under the jaw, are a sign that the body is responding to infection.

3. Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing

If the infection reaches deep into the tissues of the neck or throat, it can lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing, which requires immediate medical attention as it can become life-threatening.

4. Fatigue

Feeling unusually tired or weak, without any clear cause, can be a sign that your body is trying to fight off a spreading infection.

5. Increased Heart Rate

An increased or irregular heart rate can be a sign that your body is under stress from an infection that is spreading through your bloodstream.

6. Chest Pain

If the infection affects the heart (through conditions like endocarditis), you might experience chest pain, which could indicate a serious complication.

7. Dehydration Symptoms

Signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, infrequent urination, and dizziness can occur if the infection affects your ability to eat or drink properly.

8. Facial Redness or Warmth

Redness and warmth in the face or neck, particularly around areas of swelling, indicate the infection is spreading locally through the skin and tissues.

9. Bad Taste or Foul Odor

You might experience a foul taste in your mouth or bad breath, which could suggest that the abscess has ruptured, allowing pus to leak into your mouth.

10. Confusion or Cognitive Changes

In severe cases, if the infection progresses to sepsis, confusion, dizziness, or mental disorientation can occur, indicating that the infection has begun to affect brain function.

11. Nausea or Vomiting

Digestive upset, including nausea and vomiting, can occur as a result of the infection spreading and affecting the body's immune response.

12. Chills and Sweating

Experiencing chills and excessive sweating can indicate that the infection is causing systemic inflammation, another sign it’s spreading.

If you or someone experiences any of these symptoms along with a tooth infection, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. A spreading infection can lead to serious complications, including sepsis, and may require urgent intervention such as antibiotics, drainage, or hospitalization.

When Does an Infected Tooth Need to Be Pulled?

An infected tooth may need to be pulled if other treatments are not viable or effective. However, the decision to extract the tooth depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection, the extent of the damage, and your overall oral health. Common situations that might require a tooth to be pulled include:

• Severe Tooth Decay or Damage: If the decay or damage to the tooth is too extensive and cannot be repaired with a filling or crown.
• Failed Root Canal Treatment: If a root canal has failed, and the infection persists despite treatment.
• Advanced Gum Disease: When gum disease has led to significant bone loss around the tooth, causing it to become loose or unstable.
• Extensive Infection: If the infection has spread too deeply into the surrounding bone or tissue, making it difficult to control with antibiotics or other treatments.
• Repeated Abscesses: If an abscess keeps returning, even after attempts to drain it or treat it with antibiotics.

Tooth Infection Treatment

Treating a tooth infection typically involves addressing both the cause of the infection and managing the symptoms to prevent further complications. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and whether it has spread to other areas. Here’s a breakdown of common treatments for a tooth infection:

1. Antibiotics

Purpose: Antibiotics are often prescribed to stop the spread of infection and kill the bacteria causing it.

When Used: Typically used when the infection has spread beyond the tooth or if the patient has a compromised immune system. Common antibiotics for tooth infections include amoxicillin, metronidazole, or clindamycin.

Not a Permanent Solution: While antibiotics can control the infection, they don’t address the root cause, so further dental treatment is often necessary.

2. Drainage of the Abscess

Purpose: If an abscess (a pocket of pus) forms, it may need to be drained.

How It’s Done: The dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision to allow the pus to drain, relieving pain and pressure.

When Used: Used when there is a significant build-up of pus, causing swelling and pain.

3. Root Canal Treatment

Purpose: A root canal is performed to remove the infected pulp from the tooth and seal it to prevent reinfection.

How It’s Done: The dentist drills into the tooth to remove the infected tissue inside, disinfects the canal, and then fills and seals it. The tooth is often capped with a crown afterward to protect it.

When Used: Root canals are the preferred treatment when the tooth can still be saved despite the infection.

4. Tooth Extraction

Purpose: In cases where the tooth is severely infected or damaged and cannot be saved, the tooth is removed.

How It’s Done: The dentist extracts the tooth and may clean the area to ensure no infection remains.

When Used: Extraction is used when the infection has caused extensive decay, bone loss, or when other treatments have failed.

5. Pain Management

• Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with a tooth infection.
• Warm Salt Water Rinses: Rinsing with warm salt water several times a day can help reduce inflammation and promote drainage of any pus.

6. Management of Spreading Infection

If the infection has spread to other parts of the body (like the jaw, neck, or sinuses), hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be necessary. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove infected tissue or drain deeper abscesses.

Preventive Care After Treatment:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can prevent future infections.
• Restorations: After infection treatment, restorations like crowns or fillings may be needed to restore the structure of the tooth.

Addressing a tooth infection early is crucial to avoid more serious complications. Regular dental visits and prompt attention to any signs of infection can help prevent the need for more invasive treatments.

---

Dentist Kanata