Can An Infected Tooth Cause Health Problems?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If untreated, a tooth infection could potentially travel to other areas of your body, resulting in a potentially life-threatening infection

. Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include: fever. swelling.

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body?

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • High fever.
  • Confusion.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Drooping eyelids.
  • Pain in the tongue or mouth.
  • Swelling in the face or cheeks.
  • Severe, persistent headache.

What can happen if a tooth infection is left untreated?

An untreated tooth infection

can eventually lead to bacteria in the bloodstream, sometimes called blood poisoning, also known as bacteremia or septicemia

. If left untreated, septicemia can cause a severe whole-body infection called sepsis, which can be life-threatening.

What damage can an infected tooth cause?

An abscessed tooth can cause very serious consequences including

tooth loss, jaw bone damage, sinus involvement, brain infection, heart complications and even death

.

Which tooth is connected to the heart?

Heart –

Upper and lower third molars (wisdom teeth)

Can a rotten tooth make you sick?

Poisoning in the bloodstream. Although not an immediate consequence, dentists strongly advise that

letting rotten teeth go unattended can lead to blood poisoning

. This happens because the rot from the teeth keeps getting deposited into the mouth, and in most cases, it’s swallowed along with saliva.

How long can you have a tooth infection before it kills you?

A tooth infection can cause death in

several months

. It first forms into a dental abscess if not treated promptly. Once an abscess has developed, you may experience severe tooth pain and swelling. In a few weeks or months, the infection may spread to other tissues.

What are the signs of sepsis in adults?

  • Fever and chills.
  • Very low body temperature.
  • Peeing less than usual.
  • Fast heartbeat.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Fatigue or weakness.
  • Blotchy or discolored skin.

Can tooth infection spread to lungs?

An abscessed tooth can also cause a face and jaw infection which can restrict airways. Like in the case of Anatoliyevich,

infection can spread to the lungs

. The bacteria that cause diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia often come from the oral cavity.

Can tooth infection affect brain?


Brain abscesses can be caused by dental infections

, and treatment of odontogenic infections may avoid the development of a potentially life-threatening condition.

Can you have a tooth infection for years?

The Danger of Untreated Infected Teeth and Gums

An infection in your body is considered a threat.

If they are not treated, they can last for several months or years

. There are two types of dental abscess – one can form under the tooth (periapical) and the other in the supporting gum and bone (periodontal).

Will the dentist pull an infected tooth?

If the affected tooth can’t be saved,

your dentist will pull (extract) the tooth and drain the abscess to get rid of the infection

. Prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, you may not need antibiotics.

Can infected tooth cause fatigue?

One side effect from having a dental abscess, in fact having any infection, is that

it can cause a person to feel chronically tired

.

What are the symptoms of a root canal infection?

  • Persistent pain. Some people have persistent pain in their teeth. …
  • Extreme sensitivity. …
  • Swollen gums. …
  • Loose teeth. …
  • Foul taste in your mouth. …
  • Tender teeth and gums. …
  • Swollen glands or face pain. …
  • Pus around the root.

Can an untreated tooth infection cause sepsis?

It occurs when a bacterial infection runs through the blood, and our body fights it with body-wide inflammation.

If a tooth abscess is left untreated, the bacteria can trigger a chain reaction from tissue damage to organ failure leading to septic shock or sepsis.

Can an infected tooth affect your heart?


The infection and inflammation may lead to the death of cardiac tissue, which, in turn, can cause a fatal heart attack

. If tooth decay is left untreated, it can not only be a pain but can also kill a person, especially those who already have pre-existing conditions or a history of heart ailments.

Are tooth nerves connected to the brain?

Teeth connect with other organs in the body via nerves which aid in sensory reception and proprioception. Specifically,

teeth have a correlation with parts of the brain

.

Can an infected tooth make you dizzy?

Signs of an infected tooth

Symptoms also include bad breath, unpleasant taste, and pus which indicates infection in the tissue.

In rare cases, the infection can present with serious symptoms like fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, nausea, and dizziness or vertigo

.

Can infected gums make you sick?

You may have a hard time moving or opening your mouth as a result of the pain and swelling. You have a general feeling of unwellness.

If the infection is severe, it can cause you to feel unwell and even develop a fever

.

What are the red flags for sepsis?

Warnings signs include

high fever, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties, drastic body temperature change, worsening infection, mental decline, and severe illness

.

What sepsis feels like?

Early symptoms include

fever and feeling unwell, faint, weak, or confused

. You may notice your heart rate and breathing are faster than usual. If it’s not treated, sepsis can harm your organs, make it hard to breathe, give you diarrhea and nausea, and mess up your thinking.

How do you know if your body is fighting an infection?


fever

.

feeling tired or fatigued

.

swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin

.

headache

.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.