Tell us if this scenario sounds familiar:
You've been dealing with tooth pain for a while now but postponed going to your Rock Hill dentist because you were too afraid. Now you are experiencing some bizarre symptoms that make you wonder:
Has the infection spread to other parts of the body?
Keep reading to learn more and find out why you need urgent dental care.
If you have a decayed or damaged tooth, the risks that bacteria will navigate to the pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth) are very high. As more bacteria enter the tooth, it creates pus and pressure, causing severe pain and swelling. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body and lead to serious health complications.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms together with tooth pain, seek dental care immediately:
If your toothache is accompanied by a fever, that's a clear sign that the infection is spreading to the rest of the body. Your body is trying to fight off the infection by increasing your body temperature. This can cause you to develop a fever. Along with a fever, you may also experience headaches as your body tries to cope with the infection.
Swollen lymph nodes are another sign that your body is fighting an infection. This happens because your lymphatic system's job is to remove bacteria and other harmful substances from your body. So, your body is hard at work trying to fight off the infection.
If the infection spreads to the neck, it can cause inflammation. This can make it more difficult for you to swallow and breathe.
If you're also experiencing joint pain along with your toothache, it means that the infection reached the bloodstream. As the bacteria travels through your bloodstream, it can settle in the joints and cause inflammation.
The best way to prevent a tooth infection from spreading to the rest of your body is to have your tooth checked by a dentist. If you have a cavity or crack in your tooth, it is important to get it filled or repaired as soon as possible. This can help prevent bacteria from entering the pulp of the tooth and causing an infection.
Depending on the severity of the infection, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics first before performing a root canal to remove the decayed pulp.
In severe cases, you may need to have the tooth removed to prevent the infection from spreading.
You can also prevent a tooth infection by practicing good oral hygiene. That means brushing two times a day, flossing before going to bed, and seeing your dentist every six months or so.
An infected tooth can put your entire body (and even your life) at risk. That's why it's important to get in touch with Carolina Emergency Dental immediately.
Call us at (803) 970-6080 for any dental emergency or request an appointment online for regular oral care.
