Signs of Sepsis From Tooth Infection

Have you ever had a nagging toothache that you brushed off? Then maybe this will stop you in your tracks. While it is uncommon, an untreated tooth infection can develop into sepsis and become fatal. Now imagine that your body is fighting an infection so hard, it starts to attack itself. Scary, right? Here are the steps that can lead to this and, more importantly, how to identify the telltale signs before it is too late.

What Is Sepsis From a Tooth Infection?

Sepsis is the result of your body fighting infection poorly, causing widespread inflammation and damage. If a tooth infection gets out of control, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and cause this life-threatening response.

I’ve been there—what began as a tooth pain led to fever and malaise. Fortunately, I sprang into action quickly and many people don’t realize the gravity until it’s too late.

How Does a Tooth Infection Lead to Sepsis?

It may seem a bit extreme, but what starts out as something simple, such as an infection in your tooth, can quickly escalate if left untreated. An abscess, a pus-filled sac caused by bacteria, may form around a decayed tooth or untreated cavity. Without treatment this abscess can spread the infection:

Into your bloodstream.
To your jawbone.
Even to your vital organs.

When it comes into contact with your blood, though, the immune system often goes haywire causing sepsis.

Early Signs of Sepsis From a Tooth Infection

So how do you know if your toothache is leading to something more sinister? These are the initial symptoms of sepsis from tooth infections.

Fever: A persistent elevated body temperature that does not subside.
Chills: Getting cold even when it is hot outside.
Heart palpitations: Your heart is racing even while resting.
Overwhelming fatigue: You are motivated to sit and move, or they may struggle to function within their own lives.
Sweating: Excesses of sweating, which can appear unrelated to exercise.

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate. Contact your dentist or doctor right away.

Advanced Signs of Sepsis From a Tooth Infection

If not treated, sepsis can escalate and manifest itself with signs such as:

Shortness of breaths: All your breath and all the air feels heavy in your lungs
Hypotension: You have dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a seated position.
Confusion or disorientation: You may have a hard time articulating your thoughts or remembering things.
Skin findings: You may be pale, your skin may appear mottled, cool.

These late-stage symptoms mean the infection is. It’s a medical emergency.

My Experience With Tooth Infection and Warning Signs

CC: Toothache of Death, Hacks to feel betterCZ: Never in my life I would forget how my tooth infection made me feel like having the flu. My body hurt, I had a fever and I literally could not keep my eyes open. I thought it was only an awful cold—until my jaw began to swell up.

But fortunately, I managed to see my dentist before it escalated. At that time, a root canal spared me extra trouble. Seriously, doing this as soon as possible is the key.

Who Is Most at Risk of Sepsis From a Tooth Infection?

Only the dumbest among us are exempt from sepsis, but some of us are more susceptible:

Individuals who have decreased immunity (e.g., diabetics or patients receiving chemotherapy)
Older adults and infants.
Individuals suffering from persistent dental problems or lacking in oral cleanliness.

How to Prevent Sepsis From a Tooth Infection

The good news? Nurses responding to prevent sepsis start with looking after your mouth. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Brush and floss: The easiest way to keep cavities and infections at bay.
Keep on the lookout for issues with routine dental appointments.
Refrain from ignoring tooth pain: What seems like minor discomfort may be the first signs of an infection.
Address dental abscesses right away: When your dentist recommends draining an abscess or performing a root canal, don’t put it off.

When to See a Doctor or Dentist

Trying to figure out if you need to go see a dentist for that toothache? Here are some red flags:

The unending pain that never subsides.
Swelling in your face or jaw.
Trouble swallowing or breathing.
Gums that ooze or drain pus;

All of these could indicate an infection, which is something that must be treated as soon as possible.

Can You Treat Tooth Infections at Home?

But honestly: saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain meds can offer temporary relief. However, you are not cured. Having a tooth infection requires treatment from a professional, or else it could lead to another complication — sepsis.

Home remedies I once DIY’d my way through a toothache. It lasted a day or two before the pain returned with a vengeance. Takeaway: do not be a hero with your health.

How Dentists Treat Tooth Infections

Based on the seriousness of your infection, your dentist could recommend:

ANTIBIOTICS: To eliminate bacteria and prevent transmission.
Root canal: To preserve the tooth and clean out infected pulp.
Extraction: Removing the tooth as a last resort if it cannot be saved.

What Happens If You Ignore a Tooth Infection?

Tooth infection is a ticking time bomb; ignoring it will just explode. And, I mean, at first it may seem OK — but later on:

The pain will worsen.
It might infect your jaw, neck, and other parts of your body.
It could kill you, and in rare cases, develop sepsis (aka: infection causing organ failure or death).

Please don’t be the person that waits till it’s too late.

Fun Facts About Sepsis and Teeth

For a fun fact: Your mouth has more bacteria than there are people in the world. The majority are innocuous, but don’t leave the gate open for a few nasty ones.

To prevent the teeth from looking beyond favorable, and stay that germs in order.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Ignore the Signs of Sepsis From a Tooth Infection

These toothaches are not merely a problem; they may warn of something more severe than this. From a dull ache to a throbbing pain, you know your own body. The sooner you take action, the lower your risk of developing sepsis and other complications later on.

Have you ever been infected in a tooth? How did you go about treating it? I’d love to hear your story.