A dental infection can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. This type of infection is known as a systemic infection. When this happens, the infection can lead to serious health complications and even death.
Symptoms
When a dental infection spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
• Fever
• Swelling of the face or neck
• Pain or tenderness in the jaw or gums
• Redness in the mouth or on the gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Discharge from the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
Causes
A dental infection can spread to other parts of the body when bacteria from the infected area enter the bloodstream. This can happen when the bacteria enters through a crack or break in the tooth, or when it is released during dental procedures.
Complications
If a dental infection is left untreated and is allowed to spread throughout the body, it can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications. These can include:
• Sepsis, which is a potentially deadly condition caused by the body's response to an infection
• Endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart caused by bacteria
• Osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bones caused by bacteria
• Meningitis, which is an infection of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord
• Brain abscess, which is a collection of pus in the brain caused by bacteria
Treatment
If a dental infection is suspected, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately. Treatment will typically involve antibiotics to help fight the infection, as well as a root canal or tooth extraction to remove the source of the infection. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.
It is important to note that if a dental infection is allowed to spread, it can be difficult to treat and can lead to serious health complications. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.