Most people do not realize the long-term implications of a sore or aching tooth.
Often people suffering from an untreated infected tooth may not even realize how threatening it can be to their body and overall health. What started as a simple toothache may spread infectious bacteria to your body easily and turn into a life-threatening problem.
Let’s discuss how teeth get infected, signs for identifying an infected tooth, and the signs that the tooth infection has spread to your body. Having this information will give you a better understanding of the problem and what to look for.
Always remember to consult Long Island Endodontics for the best endodontic treatments and procedures in Long Island.
How Does Tooth Infection Occur?
A tooth infection can occur if your tooth is throbbing or sore and you leave it untreated. Bacteria can enter your tooth through cavities, cracks, or chips. Additionally, some people are more susceptible to tooth infections than others.
You are more likely to develop an infected tooth If you have:
- Dry mouth from side effects of any medication you are on, or simply because of aging
- A sugar-rich diet that contains sodas and sugary foods
- Poor dental hygiene from not brushing and flossing regularly
These things put you and your health at risk and it is always wise to avoid sugary foods and maintain good dental hygiene.
Signs of an Infected Tooth
You may experience one or more of the following symptoms if you have a tooth infection.
- Throbbing toothache
- Swollen cheek
- Throbbing pain in the ear, neck, or jawbone, often on the same side as the toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or foods
- Worsening pain when you lie down
- Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
- Persistent bad breath
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Fever
If you experience a combination of these symptoms, you are likely suffering from an infected tooth. If you leave it untreated, you increase the risk of the infection spreading out to your body and potentially becoming life-threatening.
Signs of Your Tooth Infection Spreading to Your Body
If the tooth infection spreads to your body, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms.
- You feel under the weather
You may feel fatigued, faint, or experience a headache. - You are dehydrated
Dehydration is apparent if you experience confusion, darker urine, and a reduction in the frequency of your urination. - You have a fever
You may feel chills, excessive sweating, and your skin may show signs of being flushed. - Swollen cheek, mouth, or face
Your cheek, mouth, or face has swollen up, making it difficult for you to fully open your mouth, swallow, or breathe in severe cases of swelling. - You have a stomachache
You may experience stomachache, vomiting, or diarrhea. - Your breathing and heart rate increase
You may experience breathing over 25 times a minute, which indicates faster breathing. Moreover, you may experience dizziness and an increase in your pulse rate.
These signs and symptoms all indicate that your tooth infection is spreading to your body and that you need medical attention to prevent a life-threatening situation.
Contact Us to Learn More
An infected tooth can have severe effects on your body and health. If you experience a fever paired with confusion, chest pains, breathing difficulty, or persistent vomiting, you must seek medical attention immediately.
Not all toothaches are a serious health concern. However, you should always consult your dentist or general physician if you experience it.
If left untreated, it will develop into a serious dental problem even if there isn’t an infected tooth involved.
Moreover, if your toothache lasts for longer than a day or is accompanied by any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, you should always consult your doctor.
If you want to learn more about the signs of an infected tooth or the best endodontic treatments and procedures in Long Island, please visit our website today.
