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Dental hygiene tips for healthy teeth & gums

Can a Tooth Infection Make You Sick?

Do you know bacteria can cause a tooth infection if they get inside the pulp, which is the tooth’s nerve or soft tissue? Some common causes of tooth infection are trauma, cavity, or prior dental work. Let’s know how you can get sick from tooth infection and what precautions you should take to be healthy.

How Can Tooth Infection Lead You to Sickness?

Tooth infections can also spread to other body parts if they are not treated properly, resulting in serious and even life-threatening problems. A person with a tooth infection should get treatment as soon as possible to lower the risk of consequences. Tooth infections are typically uncomplicated to cure. However, postponing treatment increases the chance of the following complications. Here are some of the common diseases you can get because of tooth infection:

  • Osteomyelitis: is an infection of the tooth’s jawbone.
  • An infection of the blood arteries inside the sinuses is called cavernous sinus thrombosis.
  • Cellulitis: an infection of the fat right under the skin and the skin itself.
  • A back-of-the-mouth abscess is referred to as a parapharyngeal abscess.
  • The most severe illness, sepsis, occurs when the immune system overreacts to a blood infection.

When Is It Absolutely Necessary to Visit a Dentist?

Not all toothaches develop into major medical issues. However, it’s best to seek care if you have a toothache before it worsens. In the event that your toothache persists for more than a day or is accompanied by additional symptoms like:

  • Fever, edema, breathing problems, and difficulty swallowing red gums
  • Discomfort during biting or chewing

Visit your dentist as soon as possible if a tooth is fractured or falls out. You might get relief while you’re waiting to visit the dentist by:

  • Avoiding eating or drinking anything hot or cold 
  • Refraining from chewing on the side of your mouth that is giving you pain