Can a Tooth Infection Spread to Jaw?
If you think that you have a tooth infection and you are not sure how serious the infection is, then this is important information for you to consider. Yes. It is possible for a tooth infection to spread to the jaw bone, surrounding teeth, and even your blood stream. Because of the location of the infection in your body and the other important tissues and organs surrounding your teeth, you should not ignore the signs that your tooth is infected. A tooth infection usually has an abscess, or a small pus-filled pocket. The pus is your body’s response to the infection and the body’s attempt to heal and it will form in different locations based on where the infection is located in your tooth. An infection at the tip of the root of the tooth is called periapical abscess and an infection located in the gums along the side of the tooth root is called a periodontal abscess.
If you notice an abscess forming on your tooth, be sure to make an appointment with the dentist right away. The dentist will be able to determine what kind of infection or abscess is causing you discomfort and the best steps to heal your mouth. If you do have an abscess as a result of your tooth infection, the dentist will drain the abscess first. If the infection is treated quickly, then the dentist may be able to save your tooth from having to be extracted and the infection from spreading to other surrounding tissues.
Your tooth infection, especially if it has an abscess, will not heal on its own and it can get life-threatening if it develops in more areas. When you have one or more of these symptoms, it is time to make a dental appointment before the procedures get more invasive and treatment gets more expensive:
- Severe pain
- Throbbing pain
- Consistent pain
- Radiating pain from the tooth to the jawbone, the ear, or the neck
- Sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures of food and drinks
- Fevers
- Discomfort from pressure created by eating or talking
- Swelling of gums, cheeks, or in your face
- Inflamed lymph nodes in your neck or under your jaw
- Bad tastes or bad smells coming from one area of your mouth
- Problems swallowing or breathing
- A rush of bad tasting, bad smelling, salty fluid from the abscess rupturing
If you believe you have an abscess and you are not able to get an appointment with your dentist or the opportunity to speak with your dentist, then you may want to consider going to urgent care or the emergency room. Medical professionals will be able to treat the infection before it gets worse or spreads. The abscess will not go away without treatment from a dentist or medical professional. Even after the abscess ruptures, you still need treatment although you may not be experiencing the same intense pain. Without proper drainage, the pus will continue to build up in the space and create pressure and pain.