Can a Tooth Infection Spread to Jaw?
An abscess or tooth infection is a pocket of pus which occurs due to a bacterial infection. Tooth abscesses can occur in different parts of the tooth and be caused by various issues. The dentist will usually treat a tooth abscess by draining it and removing the infection. While a root canal can help preserve an infected tooth, sometimes an infected tooth will need to be extracted. When a tooth abscess is not treated, can cause serious, long-term issues.
Some of the symptoms of a tooth abscess are listed below:
1. Bad taste in the mouth or a foul odor
2. Biting or chewing pain
3. Challenges with breathing or swallowing
4. Cheek or face swelling
5. Fever
6. Hot and cold sensitivity
7. Tender lymph nodes or neck and face swelling
8. Toothache that can reach the neck, ear, or jawbone
If a patient experiences any of these symptoms, they should contact their dentist right away. In cases of a fever or swelling, patients who are unable to speak with their dentist should go to the nearest emergency room. These symptoms could indicate the condition is serious and requires immediate attention. Patients who are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing should immediately go to the emergency room as this can indicate a spread of infection.
Tooth abscesses can allow bacteria to invade the dental pulp. The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Bacteria usually enters the pulp through a chip, crack, or cavity. Once bacteria enters, it can quickly spread to the root, causing swelling and inflammation.
A patient it at an increased risk for a tooth abscess if they have any of the following conditions:
- Dental hygiene: Patients who do not practices good oral hygiene at home are more likely to experience decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other problems.
- Diet high in sugar: When patients consume sugary foods and drinks, they are at an increased risk for dental cavities.
- Dry mouth: Patients with a chronically dry mouth are at an increased risk for tooth decay. The saliva aids in clearing food and debris from the teeth. Some medications and aging can cause dryness of the mouth.
Tooth abscesses require treatment and will not will not go away on their own. Ruptured abscesses can temporarily alleviate pain, however, the patient still requires treatment. Abscesses can allow for infection to spread into the jaw, neck, and head. It is also possible for a patient to develop a life-threatening infection called sepsis. Patient with a compromised immune system who have a tooth abscess are at an increased risk for the infection to spread.
Good oral hygiene is vital for maintaining good oral health and to prevent an abscess, tooth decay, and other problems. Good oral hygiene practices include twice daily brushing, flossing daily, and regular visits to the dentist for an examination and professional cleaning. Patients should consume plenty of water, avoid sugary foods and drinks, and consume a nutritious diet to help prevent decay.
Tooth infection should be treated as soon as possible to ensure it does not spread to the jaw or other parts of the body.