Can a Tooth Infection Spread to Jaw?
If a tooth infection travels into the tissue around a tooth root, it will create a pus pocket at the root’s tip. This pocket of pus collecting around the root is now called an abscess from a bacterial infection. As the infection increases, the pressure also increases, which will result in some intense pain. A tooth abscess often is the result of an untreated dental cavity, an injury or even previous dental work.
Your dentist will treat the abscess by draining the pus and removing the damaging infection. The natural tooth can be saved with a root canal, but in some cases the tooth may need to be extracted. If you ignore a tooth abscess and leave it untreated, it can lead to an infected jawbone and some serious health complications.
The Symptoms for a Tooth Infection
The symptoms of a tooth abscess can include an intense, throbbing pain that happens suddenly and increases quickly. The pain, starting with the tooth, can spread to your jaw, ear, and neck on the side as the infected tooth.
Some other symptoms of a tooth abscess might include:
* An intense, consistent, throbbing toothache that radiates to your jawbone.
* Some inflammation or swelling in your cheek or face.
* An increase in sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
* A noticeable sensitivity to the pressure of biting and chewing.
* A fever.
* Your lymph nodes become tender and swollen.
* You find it more difficult to breath or swallow.
The Causes of a Tooth Infection
A tooth abscess is the direct result of damaging bacteria invading the dental pulp, which is found in the center of the tooth, and contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
The bacteria will enter through a dental cavity, a crack, or chip in the tooth and then spread to the root. The growing infection causes the swelling and the inflammation at the tip of the root.
Risk Factors to Monitor or Control
These factors will increase the risk of a tooth infection or abscess:
* Poor dental hygiene - Not practicing proper care of your teeth and gums, which begins with brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once daily, will elevate your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and even other oral complications.
* Dry mouth - A dry mouth will also increase your risk of a tooth infection. Dry mouth is often a side effect of some medications or even aging.
* A diet high in sugar - If you make a habit of frequently eating or drinking foods high in sugar, it can easily contribute to dental cavities creating tooth infections.
Complications from a Tooth Infection
A tooth abscess will not just disappear without treatment. If the abscess, or pus pocket ruptures, the immediate pain will decrease, but you must still seek dental treatment. If the abscess is not drained correctly, the infection will quickly spread to your jaw.
If you happen to suffer from a weakened immune system and you ignore a tooth infection, your risk of an infection spreading increases dramatically.
See your dentist promptly if you believe you have any symptoms. If you notice some swelling in your face or are running a fever and you cannot see your dentist, consider urgent care. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, you should also visit an emergency room. These symptoms could indicate that the infection has spread into the surrounding tissue and into your jaw.