You are likely among the many who do not realize how much issues in the mouth can affect other parts of the body. An abscessed tooth, an infection which usually results from severe tooth decay, occurs at the root of a tooth. A few common symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:
– Severe toothache
– Fever
– Pain when chewing
– Very bad breath
– Swollen, red gums
– Swollen neck glands
– Draining sores on the gums
– Swollen jaw
As an abscessed tooth is located in the mouth, this infection is easily spread to other parts of the body. A tooth infection can spread to the brain through the blood vessels. This can lead to a brain abscess. Infection can also spread to the sinuses and cause a sinus infection. Bacteria can spread to the heart and cause a condition called bacterial endocarditis. An abscessed tooth can also cause a face and jaw infection which can restrict the airways. Infection can spread to the lungs. The bacteria that cause diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia often come from the oral cavity. Poor oral health and oral hygiene can cause an increase in these bacteria before they spread to the lungs. So, the healthier the mouth, the healthier the lungs.
To avoid tooth infection and other oral issues that could affect your overall health, Drs. Elezi and Crabtree urge you to visit our office regularly for teeth cleanings in Quincy, Massachusetts. In this way, any dental issues can be detected and treated early. In addition, if you have a toothache or another dental emergency, we urge you to schedule an appointment with our dentists at Coddington Dental immediately.