Can a Tooth Infection Spread to Jaw?
A dental abscess is one of the symptoms of bacterial infection in a tooth; the abscess itself is a pocket of pus that forms because of this infection. Dental abscesses can form in different parts of the tooth for a few different reasons, but the type of tooth infection that could spread to the jaw is the periapical dental abscess. This type of infection forms at the deepest tip of the tooth’s root and is most often the result of a dental cavity that hasn’t been treated, injury or trauma to the tooth, or previous dental work. The first line of treatment for a tooth abscess is to drain the pocket of pus and eliminate the infection, which usually requires a course of antibiotics. Sometimes, the infected tooth can be saved with a root canal, but sometimes, the infected tooth will need to be extracted. Leaving an dental abscess untreated could cause the infection to spread into the jawbone and other areas of the body, causing serious complications that could even be life-threatening.
A dental abscess can form when bacteria invade the pulp inside a tooth through a dental cavity or through a chip or crack in the tooth. This accumulation of bacteria can cause inflammation and swelling at the tip of the tooth root. The risk of dental abscess occurring increases in the absence of effective oral hygiene, which can lead to other health issues as well. Patients who consume a diet high in sugar or who have a dry mouth, which can be a side effect of certain medications, are also more susceptible to dental abscess. Dental abscess won’t heal on its own, though the pain may diminish if the abscess ruptures; even when the pain has subsided, however, the infection must still be treated so that it doesn’t spread into the jaw or the rest of the body, as this could systemic spread of infection could be life-threatening. Patients with a weakened immune system face a higher risk of systemic infection and should be especially proactive with treatment.
Symptoms of a dental abscess include a severe, incessant, throbbing ache in the affected tooth, and this pain could radiate to the neck, ear, or jawbone. The infected tooth may be particularly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures or to the stresses of chewing or biting, and the area of the face that is adjacent to the tooth might appear swollen. The lymph nodes near the jaw and in the neck could also swell and feel tender, and you may find that you have difficulty breathing or swallowing because of this swelling. When a dental abscess is present, some of the pus contained in it could leak or ooze into the mouth and cause a foul odor and bad taste in the mouth. If the abscess ruptures, you may experience a sudden surge of foul, saline fluid in your mouth, accompanied by a feeling of relief as the pressure of the abscess subsides. If you have any signs of a dental abscess, see your dentist right away.
If you have any of the symptoms of dental abscess and you also have a fever and you can’t get in to see your dentist, you should go to the emergency room. It’s also advisable to go to the emergency room if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, as these symptoms could indicate that the infection has spread. If infection spreads into the bone, it could damage the jaw and surrounding tissues, and it could even lead to systemic infection throughout the body.
The best way to prevent a tooth infection from spreading into the jaw is to prevent the teeth from damage and infection in the first place, which can be achieved with effective oral hygiene. To avoid tooth decay and prevent gum disease, brush your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, and clean between the teeth with dental floss or another interdental cleaner daily. Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional dental cleanings, and try to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.