What happens if your tooth is infected

Prescribing antibiotics. If your infection is in the process of spreading to nearby areas in your mouth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to stop the infection. It should be noted that if you've let your tooth infection go untreated and if you have a fever or swelling or have trouble breathing or swallowing, you should seek medical attention immediately.

It's likely your infection has now spread to other parts of your body, like your jawbone and surrounding areas. Tooth infections can be both disruptive and painful. That's why prevention is as important as a cure when dealing with them. Good oral care habits can ensure that you don't get cavities or tooth decay. Brush twice a day and floss daily to get rid of any bacteria. Regular checkups at your dentist is also a must to prevent infection because your dentist will often notice issues you may not.

While you can't always account for accidents that cause tooth infections like a broken tooth , good oral hygiene can still go a long way. And if you do happen to find yourself with a sore or throbbing tooth, don't let the infection go untreated.

The quicker you consult your dentist, the quicker you'll be comfortable and pain-free again! This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics.

It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Shop Now. Our Mission. Contact Us. United States US English. Submit an Idea. Brand Logo. All rights reserved. Symptoms of tooth infection Symptoms of tooth infection spreading to body When to call your doctor Causes of tooth infection When to see a dentist Takeaway It starts with a toothache.

Symptoms of tooth infection. Symptoms of tooth infection spreading to the body. When to call your doctor. How does a tooth become infected?

When to see your dentist. Read this next. Clindamycin for Tooth Infections: What to Know. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. Which Antibiotics Treat Tooth Infections? Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. The Best Electric Toothbrushes. The 5 Best Water Flossers to Keep Things Fresh Here are our picks, tips for comfortable use, and how we went about choosing the best water flossers.

How Does Soda Cause Cavities? Is Regrowing Teeth as an Adult Possible? Just as long as you do not delay treatment. Read further as we discuss signs that a tooth infection is spreading, and the complications that may arise if you do not get prompt dental attention. And, if it does happen, the consequences can be quite severe.

If you suspect that a tooth infection could be spreading, you do not want to put off seeing your dentist , call for treatment as soon as possible. Here are some signs and symptoms to watch out for, that may indicate the tooth infection has spread…. Severe infections can move to even more distant parts of your body. In rare cases, the infection may become systemic, which can affect multiple tissues throughout the body. You could also be at risk for osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone surrounding the teeth.

You could be at risk for cellulitis which is an infection of the skin and fat located directly beneath the skin. Cavernous sinus thrombosis is another infection that may arise in an untreated tooth infection. This is an infection of the blood vessels with your sinuses. You could experience a parapharyngeal abscess, which is an abscess located at the back of the mouth. Finally, sepsis could happen, which is a serious medical condition where the immune system overreacts to the infection in the blood.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please see your dentist immediately.