Symptoms of Tooth Infection Spreading to Body

Symptoms of an infected tooth can include:

• throbbing tooth pain
• throbbing pain in the jawbone, ear or neck (typically on the same side as the tooth pain)
• pain that worsens when you lie down
• sensitivity to pressure in the mouth
• sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• cheek swelling
• tender or swollen lymph nodes in the neck
• fever
• bad breath
• unpleasant taste in mouth

If an infected tooth is not treated, the infection could spread elsewhere in your body, which is potentially life-threatening. Signs and symptoms that the infection in the tooth has spread include:

You feel unwell

• headache
• fatigue
• dizziness

You run a fever

• skin flushing
• sweating
• chills

Your face swells

• swelling that makes it difficult to fully open your mouth
• swelling that impedes swallowing
• swelling that impedes breathing

You become dehydrated

• reduction in frequency of urination
• darker urine
• confusion

Your heart rate increases

• rapid pulse rate
• lightheadedness

Your breathing rate increases

• over 25 breaths per minute

You experience stomach pain

• diarrhea
• vomiting

You should call your doctor if you, your child, or your infant has a high fever. A high fever is defined as:

• adults: 103°F or higher
• children: 102.2°F or higher
• infants 3 months and older: 102°F or higher
• infants younger than 3 months: 100.4°F or higher

Get immediate medical attention if the fever is accompanied by:

• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• mental confusion
• atypical sensitivity to light
• seizures or convulsions
• unexplained skin rash
• persistent vomiting
• pain when urinating

A tooth becomes infected when bacteria gets into the tooth through a chip, crack, or cavity. Your risk factor for a tooth infection increases if you have:

• poor dental hygiene, including not brushing your teeth 2 times a day and not flossing
• a high sugar diet, including eating sweets and drinking soda
• dry mouth, which is often caused by aging or as a side effect of certain medications

Not all toothaches become serious health concerns. But if you're experiencing a toothache, it's best to get treatment before it gets worse.

Call your dentist for a same-day appointment if your toothache lasts longer than a day or is accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• fever
• swelling
• trouble breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• red gums
• pain when chewing or biting

If you have a broken tooth or if a tooth comes out, see your dentist right away.

While you're waiting to see the dentist, you might find relief by:

• taking ibuprofen
• avoiding hot or cold drinks and food
• avoiding chewing on the side of the tooth ache
• eating only cool, soft foods

You're at risk of tooth infection if you don't have good dental hygiene. Take good care of your teeth by:

• brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day
• flossing your teeth at least once a day
• decreasing your intake of sugar
• eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables
• avoiding tobacco products
• drinking fluoridated water
• seeking professional dental care

If untreated, a tooth infection could potentially travel to other areas of your body, resulting in a potentially life-threatening infection. Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:

• fever
• swelling
• dehydration
• increased heart rate
• increased breathing rate
• stomach pain

Call your dentist for a same-day appointment if you or your child experience any of these symptoms in addition to a toothache.