A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, is a pocket of pus that forms in the tooth or gums as a result of a bacterial infection. Tooth infections are fairly common and can cause severe pain and swelling. But can a tooth infection actually make you sick? Here’s what you need to know.
What causes a tooth infection?
A tooth infection starts when bacteria, often from dental plaque, invade the tooth’s inner layers (pulp) or the gums and tissues surrounding the tooth. This typically occurs when a tooth has:
- A deep cavity that reaches the pulp
- A cracked or broken tooth
- An injury that exposes the pulp
- An improperly treated root canal
The bacteria multiply and their toxins irritate and inflame the dental pulp. This causes the pulp tissue to die and the infection to spread through channels at the root of the tooth, forming an abscess.
Signs and symptoms
A tooth infection may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache
- Pain that radiates to the jawbone, neck or ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Fever
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Tender, swollen gums
- Gum abscess with pus drainage
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Pain when chewing
The signs and symptoms depend on where the infection is located in the tooth and how rapidly it’s spreading. However, it’s important to remember that not all tooth infections cause symptoms initially. That’s why regular dental exams are key to identifying and treating infections early.
Potential complications
Without treatment, a tooth infection can potentially spread to other areas of the body and cause serious complications. Potential problems include:
- Spread of infection. An abscessed tooth may spread the infection to tissues and spaces around the tooth and face. In some cases, it can spread down into the neck and restrict breathing.
- Sinus infection. The maxillary teeth (upper back teeth) are close to your sinus cavities. An infection of these teeth can easily spread to the sinuses.
- Bone loss. A long-term infection can damage the jawbone and tissues supporting the tooth.
- Systemic infection. In rare cases, a dental infection can spread through the bloodstream and become life-threatening.
That’s why it’s critical to see a dentist right way if you have symptoms of an infected tooth. Prompt treatment can help prevent the infection from getting worse and spreading.
Can a tooth infection make you sick?
A tooth infection itself may not make you feel “sick” in the general sense of having nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. However, the inflammation and swelling can certainly leave you feeling ill and fatigued. An abscessed tooth and resulting infection can also lead to:
- Mild fever
- Swollen lymph nodes (glands) in your neck
- General tiredness or malaise
- Poor appetite
- Body aches
In addition, the severe pain and pressure from a tooth infection can affect your daily functioning and quality of life. You may have trouble eating, drinking, sleeping, working, and carrying out your usual activities. And if the infection spreads, you may develop more systemic symptoms like higher fever, chills and breathing problems.
When to see a dentist
It’s important to have any tooth pain or other symptoms evaluated promptly to determine if an infection is present. See your dentist right away if you notice any signs of an infected tooth. The longer you wait, the greater your risk of the infection worsening and spreading.
Seeking emergency dental treatment is especially crucial if you have swelling in your face or neck or have trouble swallowing or breathing. These can be signs the infection is progressing rapidly and may become life-threatening.
Is the pain from a tooth infection constant?
The pain from a tooth infection is often intense and constant. An abscessed tooth typically causes a severe, throbbing pain that you may feel all the time, even when you’re not eating or drinking. The infected tooth may be extremely sensitive to hot or cold temperatures as well.
In some cases, the pain may come and go or feel temporarily better with the use of over-the-counter pain medication. But an infected tooth will usually hurt to some degree most of the time. The pain may be worse at night, making it difficult to sleep.
Don’t wait for the pain to worsen or become constant. See your dentist as soon as possible for any tooth pain or other symptoms that don’t go away.
What does an infected tooth look like?
An infected tooth may not always look significantly different than a healthy tooth. However, some signs of a dental infection can appear, including:
- Visible holes or cracks in the enamel
- Dark discoloration of the tooth or gums
- Chips, damage or decay
- Loosening of the tooth
- Raised bump or pimple on the gums
- Swelling around the tooth, jaw or neck
- Pus drainage from the gums
In many cases, the dentist will spot signs of infection before you notice any visible symptoms. With regular exams, they can check for dental decay, cracks, injured pulp and periodontal disease that may lead to infections.
Can you get sick from an infected tooth?
As mentioned, a tooth infection can make you feel ill and run down. The pain, swelling and inflammation tax your body, much like any other infection. In rare cases, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications.
Potential health risks from an infected tooth spreading include:
- Ludwig’s angina – a condition in which the infection spreads to tissues in the floor of the mouth and neck. This can obstruct the airway.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis – infection reaches the sinus cavities near the brain, causing sinus infection symptoms, headache, fever and vision changes.
- Brain abscess – a collection of pus forms around the brain due to the spread of bacteria through blood or skull bones.
- Endocarditis – the inner lining of the heart becomes infected. This is more common in those with pre-existing heart conditions.
- Osteomyelitis – infection spreads to the jawbone or other bones in the face.
However, these severe complications are considered extremely rare. Seeking prompt treatment helps prevent the infection from becoming widespread and dangerous.
How do you treat an infected tooth?
Treating an infected tooth typically involves:
Drainage and extraction
If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist will likely drain the pus and remove the infected tooth. This immediately gets rid of the abscess and infection source.
Root canal
If the tooth can be repaired, you may need root canal treatment. This involves removing the infected pulp, draining the abscess and sealing the inside of the tooth. With treatment, the pain goes away and the tooth can often be restored.
Antibiotics
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin to help clear the infection. This is especially common if it has spread to surrounding tissues.
Pain medication
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can temporarily relieve discomfort. Prescription medications may be given for severe pain.
How to prevent infected teeth
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care can help prevent tooth infections from developing in the first place. Try these prevention tips:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to clean between teeth
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill excess bacteria
- Eat a healthy diet low in sugary or starchy foods
- Drink plenty of water to produce more saliva
- Quit smoking, which reduces blood flow and healing ability in the mouth
- Get dental cleanings and exams every six months
- See your dentist right away for cavities or tooth pain
- Promptly treat any dental injuries or issues
When to seek emergency dental care
Seek emergency dental care right away if you have any of the following severe symptoms:
- Significant facial or neck swelling
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever over 100 F (37.7 C)
- Rapid swelling that started in the last 24-48 hours
- Pus drainage from the gums
- Severe tooth pain or sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tooth that is dark, loose or damaged
These may be signs of a dental abscess or advanced infection requiring urgent treatment to avoid serious complications. Prompt antibiotic treatment and draining of the infection can then prevent it from spreading.
When to see a doctor for tooth infection
In addition to emergency dental care, it’s also important to see your physician or visit urgent care if you have any of the following occur:
- Fever above 101 F (38.3 C)
- Fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Swelling or redness extends beyond dental area
- You have a weakened immune system
- Infection is rapidly worsening
- You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
- You have heart problems or a history of endocarditis
Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms, provide pain relief, and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection if needed.
How long does a tooth infection last?
If left untreated, a tooth infection may last for weeks, months or even years. The bacteria can continue to multiply, and the infection can get progressively worse over time. That’s why prompt treatment is key.
With proper treatment by a dentist, an infected tooth will typically start feeling better within a few days. The pain should subside within 1-2 weeks with antibiotics and drainage of the infection. If you need a root canal, it may take a few dental visits to complete treatment.
Even after treatment, it’s important to follow up with your dentist to make sure the infection has completely cleared. You may need additional antibiotics or a root canal retreatment if symptoms return.
Can a tooth infection come back?
Yes, it is possible for a tooth infection to return after treatment. This may occur if:
- An abscess reforms in the jawbone due to incomplete drainage.
- Not all of the infected material was removed from the pulp chamber and canals.
- Antibiotics did not fully eliminate the bacteria.
- There is leakage from an underlying crack in the tooth.
If pain and swelling return, contact your dentist promptly. You may need another root canal procedure or extraction if the tooth cannot be rescued.
Tooth infection vs abscess
A tooth abscess is a result of a tooth infection, often from untreated tooth decay. The stages include:
- Infection – Bacteria invade the pulp and multiply inside the tooth.
- Abscess – The mass of bacteria produce toxins and your immune system tries to fight it off. This results in pus formation at the tooth’s root tip.
- Cellulitis – The abscess spreads infection into the surrounding jawbone and tissues.
- Systemic infection – In rare cases, bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread through the body.
So a tooth abscess is the localized pus pocket that stems from the tooth infection. Prompt treatment is needed to prevent it from getting worse.
Tooth infection vs cavity
Cavities and tooth infections are closely related, but not exactly the same thing:
- A cavity is tooth decay that is confined to the enamel and outer tooth layers.
- A tooth infection forms when decay reaches the inner pulp layer, introducing bacteria deep inside the tooth structure.
Untreated cavities are what allow infections to take hold. Bacteria penetrate through the decayed enamel and infect the underlying pulp tissue. So cavities generally precede tooth infections but are not equivalent.
Conclusion
A tooth infection can certainly make you feel unwell and run down. The constant pain, pressure and swelling take a toll on your daily function and quality of life. In rare cases, a dental infection may spread and cause severe complications.
That’s why it’s critical to have a painful tooth evaluated promptly. Root canal treatment or tooth extraction can relieve symptoms and clear the infection before it worsens or spreads. Maintaining good oral hygiene and getting cavities treated early is key to preventing tooth infections in the first place.