If the abscess is not drained by a dentist, the infection can spread throughout the mouth and into your jaw. If the infection is severe, a person may need to stay in the hospital and receive antibiotics through an intravenous drip. An infection will develop over time as the bacteria reach the tooth's nerves. . Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. If you have a tooth abscess you could develop meningitis. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Financial Assistance Documents Minnesota, Severe, constant, throbbing toothache that can spread to your jawbone, neck or ear, Pain or discomfort with hot and cold temperatures, Pain or discomfort with the pressure of chewing or biting, Swelling in your face, cheek or neck that may lead to difficulty breathing or swallowing, Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck, Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures. The root canal therapy procedure requires thedentist to drill into the tooth and remove the pocket of pus and bacteria at the root of the tooth. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes. Enamel Decay The first stage is enamel damage, the outer layer of teeth. If the dental abscess is not treated, the bacteria from the infection can spread via the bloodstream to other parts of the body. other information we have about you. when your blood gets infected, at which point your immune system can severely overreact, leading to life-threatening illness. Make your tax-deductible gift and be a part of the cutting-edge research and care that's changing medicine. A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus from a bacterial infection. Dentin Decay American Association of Endodontists. If you have signs and symptoms of a tooth infection, it is important to call your dentist as soon as possible. Do I need to take preventive antibiotics before dental appointments? Now that we have covered tooth-related infections, let us speak to gum-related infections. Accessed May 20, 2022. This content does not have an Arabic version. AAE position statement: Maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin. Why Does the Roof of My Mouth Hurt? In: Minor Emergencies. If you cant reach your dentist or if you cant get an appointment, you should head straight to the nearest emergency room for treatment. Symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body include: A dental abscess can travel to the brain. What Can Cause Someone to Have an Extra Tooth (Mesiodens)? No surgical procedure is without risks, however. A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure. This inflammation is considered a risk factor for diabetes, coronary artery disease, low-weight births, rheumatoid arthritis and even certain types of cancer. Does klebsiella infection shows up in a blood culture? Malocclusion of the teeth is a misalignment condition that can lead to serious oral health complications. Radiology (x-ray) is the most important investigation, as it will usually show an area of bone loss around the root tip of the chronically infected tooth. Tooth infection spreading to the body: Signs and symptoms National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Periodontitis is common but can usually be prevented. People who have sepsis will need treatment from an intensive care unit.