Your teeth are susceptible to a range of oral health issues, especially in the absence of a good hygiene routine or in the event of physical trauma. Infections can greatly affect the teeth and gums, necessitating vigilance and a corrective approach.
When you begin noticing concerning symptoms, it is prudent to know what an advancing infection looks like to present an accurate timeline to your dentist and seek appropriate treatment. This blog presents the tooth infection symptoms to keep an eye out for.
What is a Tooth Abscess?
Tooth abscesses are pockets of pus that form in different parts of your teeth due to bacterial infections. An abscessed tooth can cause significant damage to your oral tissues and may lead to a serious infection.
Without treatment, the infection can spread through the body. Dental abscesses often appear as red, swollen bumps or pimple-like sores, most commonly near the root of the affected tooth.
How a Tooth Infection Spreads
A tooth abscess is not just a local dental issue; it has the potential to cause widespread, systemic harm if left untreated. The primary reason for this is the high bacterial load and pressure buildup within the abscess. When this pressure is not relieved, it forces bacteria and the contents of the abscess to escape the area around the tooth and spread into surrounding anatomical structures.
If your tooth abscess has suddenly ruptured, you will likely feel a foul taste of a salty liquid in your mouth.
A burst abscess can be one of the first signs that the infection has begun to spread to other parts of your body.
Here’s how the infection spreads beyond the tooth:
- Through medullary bone:
The infection penetrates the spongy (medullary) bone of the jaw and spreads to deeper tissues or into the oral cavity, a process referred to as sinus formation. - Fascial planes of the head and neck:
Bacteria can travel along soft tissue spaces, leading to Ludwig’s angina, a rapidly spreading and potentially fatal infection of the neck and airway. If the abscess does not drain into the oral cavity, it may seep into underlying fascial structures instead. - Venous drainage systems:
The infection can spread via facial veins into the cavernous sinus, a large sinus between the brain and the face. This may result in cavernous sinus thrombosis, a life-threatening condition involving blood clots and cranial nerve impairment. - Bloodstream invasion:
When bacteria enter the circulatory system, it leads to bacteremia, which can escalate into sepsis, a medical emergency characterized by systemic inflammation and potential organ failure. In advanced cases, this can also cause septic shock. - Mediastinal spread:
Rarely, the infection can descend into the chest cavity, leading to descending necrotizing mediastinitis, a devastating and often fatal deep thoracic infection.
At-Risk Individuals for Complications from a Tooth Infection
Certain individuals are more vulnerable to severe complications from a dental abscess due to a weakened or compromised immune response, including:
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., those with HIV, undergoing chemotherapy, or on immunosuppressive medications)
- Diabetic patients
- Pregnant women, due to immune system and hormonal changes
- Individuals with delayed access to dental care
- Patients with very poor oral hygiene practices
Local Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to The Body
An untreated tooth abscess often begins with local symptoms before advancing into a generalized or systemic infection. Recognizing these early tooth infection symptoms can help prevent severe complications. Below are the common local signs of a progressing tooth abscess:
Trismus (Restricted Mouth Opening)
Trismus is a condition that manifests as an inability to fully open the mouth, caused by inflammation or infection of the jaw muscles or surrounding tissues involved in chewing.
This symptom indicates that the tooth abscess is no longer confined to the tooth alone and has begun spreading into the adjacent facial spaces. It can cause serious difficulties in chewing, speaking, and swallowing. If you are unable to open your mouth beyond two finger-widths, it is considered a red flag and requires immediate medical attention.
Cellulitis or Swelling Under the Chin
Cellulitis refers to a diffuse, non-localized infection of the soft tissues. If suffering from a tooth abscess, swelling under the chin (especially if it feels hard or “wooden”) that crosses the midline or spreads to the opposite side of the neck is highly concerning.
This spreading pattern indicates that the infection has reached the submandibular or deeper fascial spaces, marking the early stages of Ludwig’s angina. Immediate intervention is critical to prevent airway compromise.
Persistent Bad Breath or Metallic Taste
Chronic rancid breath or foul taste in the mouth, despite regular brushing and flossing, is a typical indicator of an advancing infection.
Especially in patients with sinus formation, a bitter or even metallic taste in the mouth is a common complaint. This is typically caused by the drainage of pus into the oral cavity.
Systemic Tooth Infection Symptoms
When the abscess is small or deep within the tooth root, there may not be glaring signs that accompany the issue. However, even without a visible rupture, there are a few symptoms of tooth infection spreading to body:
Not Feeling Well
Feeling unwell is one of the first symptoms of a spreading infection. If your tooth ache progresses into a head ache, it usually means you have an advancing infection. The pain may also begin to travel from your jawbone into your ear. You may start feeling fatigued and may also experience spells of dizziness.
Fever
Fever is your body’s way of defending itself against infections. Your body temperature instinctively rises to fight off bacterial infections. However, the high body temperature is not good for you either. If you are suffering from a fever that is persistently above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, this indicates that sepsis is beginning to set in. You may also experience fever and chills.
Increased Breathing & Heart Rate
Another symptom is increased heart rate and labored breathing.
Is your heart beating faster than normal? Do you feel like you have to exert more effort while trying to breathe? Both of these are signs that the infection is spreading inside your body. If you notice any of these symptoms, skip the dentist and immediately go to the emergency room.
Dehydration & Stomach Pain
Dehydration and stomach pain is a clear indication that the infection inside your body is getting worse.
You may also notice that you have diarrhea accompanied by stomach pain. Both these symptoms will accelerate the rate of your dehydration and cause further problems.
Life-Threatening Conditions Associated with an Untreated Tooth Abscess
The following are some life-threatening conditions associated with untreated abscesses:
-
Endocarditis
When bacteria from an abscess enter the bloodstream, they can travel to the heart and infect its inner lining or valves. This condition is called bacterial endocarditis and is especially dangerous in individuals with prior heart conditions or prosthetic valves. If not promptly treated with antibiotics or surgery, it can lead to heart failure.
-
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection. If a dental abscess remains untreated, the bacteria can infiltrate the jawbone (mandible or maxilla) and cause inflammation, necrosis, and bone destruction. This condition is painful and requires prolonged antibiotic therapy and, in some cases, surgical debridement.
-
Lung Infection or Pneumonia
Bacteremia originating from a periapical or periodontal tooth abscess can also lead to lung infections or pneumonia.
If you experience any symptoms suggesting a systemic spread, such as persistent fever, confusion, difficulty breathing, or extreme fatigue, seek emergency medical care immediately. Preventing these outcomes starts with early dental intervention and routine oral health checkups.
Get Immediate Treatment for Your Tooth Abscess at Osseo Family Dental
Tooth infections resulting from tooth abscesses can become serious health problems, especially if you delay your visit to the emergency dentist. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups is vital for detecting concerning tooth abscess signs and symptoms early on and preventing future issues.
At Osseo Family Dental, we’re dedicated to delivering efficient, compassionate care that puts your comfort and recovery first. We can help you address tooth infection symptoms and craft an oral hygiene routine for long-term success.
Seek expert care with one of the best dentists in osseo today!
Our address: 30 Central Ave, Osseo, MN 55369
Call us: (763) 425 – 2626
