Can a Tooth Infection Spread to the Jaw
Pockets of pus that are caused by bacterial infections, tooth abscesses can happen at different areas of a tooth for varying reasons. Periapical abscesses occur at the root’s tip whereas periodontal abscesses develop in the gums to the side of the tooth root.
Dentists treat tooth abscesses by draining them and removing the infection. While it may be possible to save an infected tooth via a root canal procedure, in some cases it may be necessary to extract the affected tooth since failing to treat an abscessed tooth, can lead to serious, potentially life-threatening, complications.
Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is identified by signs and symptoms that include:
- Persistent, severe, throbbing toothache that could radiate to the jawbone, ear, or neck
- Sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing
- Fever
- Swelling of the cheek or face
- Swollen, tender lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw
- Sudden rushes of foul-tasting and foul-smelling, salty fluid in the mouth
- Pain relief should the abscess rupture
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
When to Visit a Dentist
Anyone that notices signs or symptoms that could be a tooth abscess, should consult their dentist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment. Should a person have facial swelling and a fever but are unable to contact their dentist, they should visit the emergency room. They should also visit the emergency room if they are having difficulty swallowing or breathing. These symptoms could signify that infection has spread to the surrounding tissue, jaw, or possibly other parts of the body.
Tooth Abscess Causes
Tooth abscesses happen when bacteria penetrate the dental pulp – the innermost layer of the tooth containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Entering through cracks, chips, or a cavity, bacteria spread down to the tooth root. This bacterial infection can lead to inflammation and swelling at the root’s tip.
Risk Factors
The following factors can raise the risk of tooth abscesses from developing:
- Insufficient Dental Hygiene: Failing to take proper care of the gums and teeth, such as not flossing and brushing the teeth two times daily, can heighten the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, tooth abscesses, and other mouth and dental complications.
- A High Sugar Diet: Frequently consuming food and drinks that are high in sugar, such as sodas and candy, can elevate the risk of cavities that in turn, could develop into tooth abscesses.
- Dry Mouth: People with dry mouths are at a higher risk of developing tooth decay. Dry mouth is a common side effect of some medications or aging issues.
Complications
Without treatment, tooth abscesses will not go away. Should an abscess rupture, the pain may significantly decrease but treatment is still necessary. If an abscess does not drain, the infection can spread to the jaw and to other parts of the neck and head. It is also possible that a life-threatening infection called sepsis could develop and spread throughout the body. Patients with weakened immune systems that fail to treat an abscessed tooth, run further risk of infection spreading or worsening even more.