WHAT IS JAW INFECTION AND WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?
Infections are serious problems in the body caused by rampant microbe growth and infestation. Jawbone infections are often the result of untreated gum disease, unfilled cavities, or bacteria traveling to the jaw from other untreated infections. They can be incredibly painful and often require serious medical intervention in the worst cases.
The bacteria in the mouth that causes dental plaque can be a serious problem. Even with daily brushing, bacteria can elude the toothbrush and turn to tartar. When the bacterial buildup is left untreated, the gums become infected. This is known as periodontal disease and if left unchecked, can lead to the infection spreading further into the jawbone.
Jawbone infections are often accompanied by dental abscesses. These can occur when a dental cavity is not attended to in due time. The bacteria in the mouth get into the soft pulpy tissues inside the tooth and travel down through the root of the tooth. From there, the jawbone is the next place the bacteria will infect. Typical symptoms of dental and jawbone infection are pain in the mouth and jaw, redness and swelling, and pus buildup and drainage from the affected area.
Patients suffering from jaw infections will first experience dull throbbing pain around the mouth. At this stage over the counter anti-inflammatory medications and salt water rinses can help to control the swelling, but immediate consultation with a dental professional is imperative. Sometimes your dentist will be able to treat your infection by prescribing a course of antibiotics. In more severe cases, more intense treatments may be necessary. Tooth extraction is usually a last resort, as most dentists will try to save the tooth by performing root canal therapy or applying a crown. When the jawbone is infected and antibiotics have not cured the infection, the affected parts of the jaw may need to be surgically removed and a bone implant or graft will be necessary.
Certain factors can lead to the development of jawbone infections. Tobacco use is overall very bad for your dental health. The tar from smoking creates a fertile breeding ground for bacteria and nicotine obstructs blood movement and may cause the tissues in your mouth to become infected. Inflammation is a part of the natural healing process, and so excessive use of NSAIDs can inhibit blood flow and help infections to take hold and spread. Likewise, radiation and chemotherapy lower immune responses, allowing for more bacterial growth. Traumatic impacts from sports activity, falls, or dental surgery can leave your mouth at greater risk of infection as well.
If jawbone infections are left untreated they can lead to much more serious complications. Inflammatory diseases, autoimmune conditions and general health problems such as ALS, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and chronic fatigue are all possible results of untreated infections.
If you suspect an infection in your jaw, the first step you should take is to make an appointment with your dentist. X-rays and other diagnostic procedures can help to determine the extent of the problem and help your dentist come up with an appropriate treatment plan as soon as possible.