Why a Toothache That Also Has a Fever is So Dangerous
Palo Alto, CA
Posted on 10/15/2019 by Shiv Sharma, DDS
A tender or throbbing tooth is a key sign that a problem is beginning. If you leave it untreated, what may have been an uncomplicated cavity that is removed, now becomes an infected tooth.
This causes more pain, redness, swelling, and a high fever, which tells us your body is trying to fight the infection. These are all signs of the infection becoming an abscessed tooth.
Tooth Infection Turns into an Abscess
When a tooth is infected and left untreated, it will quickly become an abscessed tooth. This is where a small pocket of pus forms inside the tooth and as your body tries to fight it off, it swells inside your tooth. If an abscess ruptures your pain subsides shortly and think you are now starting to heal. Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. The rupture can be one of the first signs that the infection is spreading.
Dangers of Having a Fever Accompany Your Toothache
The rupture can be one of the first signs that the infection is spreading. You eventually will start experiencing a fever. This is a sign the infection is trying to spread to other parts of your body and our body reacts by heating up to kill it off. The problem is that high body temperature isn't necessarily good for your body and the good things in it.
If your fever stays above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, this can be a sign that sepsis is setting in. If the infection survives the fever and makes its way into your blood. It can cause a condition called sepsis, which can be fatal. Between one in eight patients with sepsis will die during hospitalization—as most notably Muhammad Ali did in June 2016.
The bottom line is to take care of yourself. Know these symptoms of a tooth infection spreading and its effects on the body so you'll know what to watch out for. Practice good oral care every day to reduce the risk of dealing with something like a toothache in the beginning before you risk your life contracting sepsis.
Looking for a new dental office? We're here to help! Call us today to schedule a preventative procedure appointment. We also provide emergency care. If you have an abscessed tooth, we can take care of it. Call today at (650) 321-9693. For more information about services we offer follow the links below: Root Canal Dental Crown Tooth Extraction Dental Exam Dental Filling
Thank you for trusting us with your oral health. Give us a call at (650) 321-9693.
2875 Middlefield Rd, Suite #1 Palo Alto, CA 94306-2548
A tender or throbbing tooth is a key sign that a problem is beginning. If you leave it untreated, what may have been an uncomplicated cavity that is removed, now becomes an infected tooth. 
