Can a Tooth Infection Spread to Jaw?
If a tooth infection goes into the deep tissue around the root, it will create a pocket of pus at the root’s tip. This pocket is called an abscess from a bacterial infection. The infection pus will collect in a pocket of tissue around the root. As the infection grows, pressure from the trapped pus escalates, which can result in intense pain. A tooth abscess often occurs from an untreated dental cavity, an injury or even prior dental work.
Your dentist will treat the abscess by draining it and removing the infection. The natural tooth may be saved with a root canal treatment, but in some situations, the tooth may need to be extracted. Ignoring a tooth abscess and leaving it untreated, can lead to an infected jawbone and serious health complications.
The Symptoms of a Tooth Infection
The symptoms of an abscess near a tooth could include an intense, throbbing pain in that tooth or the gum that appears suddenly and gets worse quickly. The pain can spread to your jaw, ear, and neck on the same side as the infected tooth or gum.
Some symptoms of a tooth abscess might include:
- A severe, consistent, throbbing toothache that radiates to your jawbone.
- Inflammation or swelling in your cheek or face.
- An increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Sensitivity to the pressure of biting and chewing.
- A fever.
- The development of tender, swollen lymph nodes.
- You might find it more difficult to breathe or swallow.
Causes of a Tooth Infection
A tooth abscess is the result of bacteria invading the dental pulp, which is the center of the tooth containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
The damaging bacteria can enter through a dental cavity or a crack or chip in the tooth and then spread to the root. The infection causes the swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.
Risk Factors to Monitor or Control
These factors can increase the risk of a tooth abscess:
- Poor dental hygiene. Not exercising simple proper care of your teeth and gums, such as not brushing your teeth twice a day and not flossing, will elevate your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, tooth abscess, and other complications.
- Dry mouth. A dry mouth can also increase your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth can often be a side effect of some medications or aging.
- A diet high in sugar. If you frequently eat or drink foods high in sugar, such as sweets and sodas, can easily contribute to dental cavities and end up with a tooth abscess.
Complications from a Tooth Infection
A tooth abscess will not just go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the immediate pain may decrease, but you will still need dental treatment. If the abscess is not drained properly, the infection will spread to your jaw.
If you suffer from a weakened immune system and you ignore a tooth infection, your risk of an infection spreading increases even more.
When to See Your Dentist
See your dentist promptly if you believe you have any symptoms of a tooth abscess.
If you have some swelling in your face or a fever and you cannot see your dentist, go to an emergency room. If you have trouble swallowing or breathing, you should also visit an emergency room. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread into the surrounding tissue and your jaw.