Were you aware of the fact that dental infections can actually cause symptoms such as fever? This blog will see how a dental infection can lead to fever and what we can do about it.
Dental infections are caused by bacteria. These bacteria are found in the plaque, which accumulates on the surface of the teeth near and below the gumline. This plaque, if not removed, regularly harden to form calculus which is adherent to the tooth and the gums. This also gives these diseases causing bacteria a place to hide. These bacteria metabolise sugars from the food we eat to release an acidic substance that attacks the tooth structure and causes the gums’ inflammation. This leads to gum diseases and dental cavities. Dental cavities progress to involve the dental pulp. Once the dental pulp is infected, it leads to intense pain, and the infection has to be removed.
Sometimes, these bacteria from the gums and the tooth’s core find a way to enter the bloodstream. Once it enters the bloodstream, they quickly make their way to the major blood vessels. This causes the body to generate a generalised immune response against the bacteria, which puts the body in a state of inflammation. This can cause sepsis, a dangerous infective conditions which if not treated early and furiously, can even lead to death. Yes, all this can happen because of untreated dental infections. This is what also causes the body temperature to rise and leads to fever.
Symptoms of a dental infection
- Continuos throbbing toothache.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold food and liquids.
- Facial swelling.
- Swelling in the gums.
- Tender, red and painful gums.
- Pus which oozes out from the gums.
- Pain that increases on lying down.
- Inability to bite down as it leads to toothache.
- A foul taste in the mouth often accompanied by bad breath.
These symptoms are associated with a dental infection. If you happen to experience any of the above-given symptoms, please visit our dental office and get it checked out before it becomes worse.
How to know if the dental infection has spread?
Our body does a beautiful job of alerting us when anything goes wrong. The body gives certain signs which indicates that it is compromised and needs treatment. This happens even when a dental infection spreads.
- A generalised feeling of unwellness, including feeling fatigued and dizzy.
- Headaches.
- Fever accompanied by sweating, chills and skin flushing.
- Rashes on the body.
- Facial and neck swelling.
- Dehydration even after drinking a lot of water.
- Reduced urination and dark coloured urine.
- Confusion.
- Increase in heart rate and feeling light-headed.
- Stomach pain which can be accompanied by diarrhoea and vomiting.
Suppose your fever reaches 39 degrees or higher. In that case, it is time to visit the nearest emergency room before it gets fatal. Apart from this, if you experience chest pain, difficulty in breathing, confusion, skin rashes, persistent vomiting, get in touch with a doctor now.
What to do in such a situation?
Well, ideally, you should not delay getting dental treatment. This situation arises when you don’t get proper dental treatment at the appropriate time. Antibiotics and painkillers aren’t enough to resolve dental infections. A thorough dental treatment protocol must be devised and implemented to ensure that the infection does not spread.
If you feel any of the symptoms associated with that of a tooth infection, make an urgent appointment with your dentist. If you have a swelling in your mouth or you notice pus discharge, ensure that you call us immediately and make a same-day appointment. Until then, you can take an over the counter painkiller to help with the pain by the time you reach the dental office. Do not try to ignore or delay your visit to the dental office.
If the infection has already progressed to other parts of the body, you will be referred to a medical doctor. Be cautious to ensure you don’t get anxious later.
To avoid these situations entirely, follow a good oral hygiene routine. Brush twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Use floss at least once every day to ensure that all the food debris and plaque stuck in between your teeth can come out. Limit your sugar intake and try to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Apart from this, ensure you have regular visits to a dentist to make sure you are at the top of your oral health. Following these simple measures can help you avoid health disasters of the future!