What Happens if a Tooth Infection Gets Into Your Jaw?

A tooth infection should never be ignored because if left untreated, it can spread beyond the tooth and into the jawbone. This can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.

Possible Effects of a Spreading Infection:

1. Jawbone Damage – The infection can erode bone tissue, leading to pain, swelling, and potential bone loss.
   
   
2. Abscess Formation – Pockets of pus may develop in the jaw, causing severe pain and difficulty chewing or opening the mouth.
   
   
3. Facial Swelling – Infections in the jaw can spread to surrounding tissues, creating noticeable swelling in the face or neck.
   
   
4. Systemic Infection – If bacteria enter the bloodstream, it can lead to sepsis, a dangerous condition requiring hospitalization.

Warning Signs to Watch For:

• Severe, persistent toothache
  
  
• Swelling in the jaw, face, or neck
  
  
• Fever or chills
  
  
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate dental care. Quick treatment, such as antibiotics, root canal therapy, or extraction, can stop the infection from spreading.

Concerned about a tooth infection?

At Alpine Dental, we provide prompt and expert dental treatment in Lakewood, NJ, to stop infections before they cause further harm.

Don’t wait, contact us and protect your health and your smile today.

SOURCES:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10943-abscessed-tooth

https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-to-body

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/symptoms-of-tooth-infection-spreading-to-the-body

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=uh3727