Why do teeth get infected

Also, the use of antibiotics in untreated periodontitis, which can mask the symptoms of an abscess, can result in a periodontal abscess. Sometimes gum damage can lead to periodontal abscesses, even if no periodontitis is present. While home remedies can help make a person more comfortable while they wait for treatment, it is important to visit a healthcare professional for treatment to avoid any of the complications of a dental abscess.

In the vast majority of cases, complications only occur if the abscess is left untreated. However, complications can occur, even after seemingly effective treatment, but this is very rare.

Possible complications include:. Dental cysts: A fluid-filled cavity may develop at the bottom of the root of the tooth if the abscess is not treated. This is called a dental cyst. There is a significant risk that the cyst will become infected. If this happens, the patient will need antibiotics, and possibly surgery.

Osteomyelitis: The bacteria in the abscess gets into the bloodstream and infects the bone. The patient will experience an elevated body temperature, severe pain in the affected bone, and possibly nausea. Typically, the affected bone will be near the site of the abscess. However, as it may have spread into the bloodstream any bone in the body may be affected. Treatment involves either oral or intravenous antibiotics. Cavernous sinus thrombosis: The spread of bacteria causes a blood clot to form at the cavernous sinus, a large vein at the base of the brain.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is treated with antibiotics, and sometimes surgery to drain the sinus. In some cases, the condition can be fatal. This is a very rare complication. There is swelling and intense pain under the tongue and in the neck.

In severe cases, the patient may find it hard to breathe. Patients are treated with antibiotics. Maxillary sinusitis: The bacteria spread into small spaces behind the cheekbones, called the maxillary sinuses.

This is not a serious condition but can be painful. The patient may develop a fever and have tender cheeks. Sometimes the condition resolves on its own. Depending on the severity, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Poor oral hygiene can cause dental problems such as cavities and toothache, as well as severe gum disease and oral cancer. Learn more here. Untreated tooth infections can spread to other areas of the body and lead to serious complications.

Learn more about this complication here. To reduce the risk of complications, a person should seek treatment for a tooth infection as early as possible. In this article, we outline what happens when a tooth infection spreads. We also provide information on how to treat and prevent tooth infections. The mouth is full of bacteria from foods, saliva, and plaque. Sometimes, these bacteria can enter into a tooth or below the gumline, resulting in a tooth infection or abscess.

In most cases, tooth infections are easily treatable. However, a person who delays treatment is at risk of developing the following complications:. Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to the face and neck.

Severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body. In some cases, they may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.

It is rare for a tooth infection to spread to other parts of the body. However, if this does happen, the consequences can be severe. The following symptoms could indicate that a tooth infection has spread to another part of the body. A person who has a suspected tooth infection and develops any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:. A person should see their dentist at the first sign of a tooth infection.

Early treatment will help prevent the infection from spreading into other tissues. A tooth infection that has spread is a medical emergency. Such infections can quickly become widespread and severe. Systemic infections can be life threatening. A person should contact a dentist for an emergency appointment as soon as possible. If there are no dentists available, a person should visit the emergency department of their nearest hospital.

A dentist or doctor will provide treatments to target the infection and stop it from spreading further. The type of treatment that a person receives for a tooth infection will depend on several factors, including:. If an infected tooth is not treated, the infection could spread elsewhere in your body, which is potentially life-threatening. Signs and symptoms that the infection in the tooth has spread include:. You should call your doctor if you, your child, or your infant has a high fever.

A high fever is defined as:. A tooth becomes infected when bacteria gets into the tooth through a chip, crack, or cavity. Your risk factor for a tooth infection increases if you have:. Not all toothaches become serious health concerns. Call your dentist for a same-day appointment if your toothache lasts longer than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms such as:. If you have a broken tooth or if a tooth comes out, see your dentist right away. Take good care of your teeth by:. If untreated, a tooth infection could potentially travel to other areas of your body, resulting in a potentially life-threatening infection.

Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:. Call your dentist for a same-day appointment if you or your child experience any of these symptoms in addition to a toothache. Clindamycin is commonly used to treat tooth infections. We'll go over everything you need to know about taking clindamycin, including how soon you'll….