CAN A TOOTH INFECTION SPREAD TO THE JAW?
Infections are painful and serious medical issues that can spread throughout the body if left untreated for too long. Caused by bacterial buildup, infections often travel through body tissues and blood vessels. If you have a tooth infection, if left untreated, it will likely spread to your jawbone.
TOOTH INFECTION
Teeth can become infected in many different ways. Unfilled cavities, traumatic injury, or previous dental surgeries can leave the soft pulpy tissues inside the tooth exposed to the bacteria in the mouth. When they enter the pulp, a rich breeding ground for bacteria, they can travel down through the root and infect the jawbone. Plaque and tartar on the outside of the teeth can creep down past the gum line and spread to the underlying bone. Whether from the gum or root, infection is a painful experience and should be prevented with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings and exams from your dental professionals.
SYMPTOMS OF JAW INFECTION
Signs and symptoms of jaw infections include:
- Severe, constant, throbbing aches and pain that can spread through the mouth, neck, or ear
- Pain or discomfort with hot or cold foods
- Pain or discomfort while chewing or biting
- Fever
- Swelling in the face, jaw, cheek, or neck that may make breathing or swallowing difficult
- Tender and swollen lymph nodes
- Foul odor in the mouth, foul breath
- Pus buildup or drainage in the mouth
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your dentist as soon as possible. An untreated infection will only spread and worsen as time goes on.
TREATMENT FOR JAW INFECTION
You should always seek immediate medical attention for infection, and dental infections are no different. After diagnostic x-rays are taken and an exam has been performed, your dentist will attempt to drain any abscesses and likely prescribe a course of antibiotics. For more severe cases, a tooth may need to be extracted and an implant placed, or the affected jaw may need to be surgically removed and new bone may need to be grafted or replaced in order to stop the spread of the infection.
PREVENTION OF INFECTION
The best way to deal with infection is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Taking good care of your teeth will help to avoid the types of decay that lead to jaw infection. Drinking water that contains fluoride will help to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. Brushing twice daily with a soft bristled toothbrush and flossing with proper technique will help to get rid of or slow the growth of bacteria in the mouth. A healthy diet with limited starches and sugars will keep the bacteria from feeding on the residues that are left behind on the teeth. Make sure to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings at least twice every year. Antiseptic mouthwashes with fluoride will add an extra layer of protection against tooth decay.