Can a Tooth Infection Spread to Jaw?
What causes jaw pain? Soreness and clicking in your jaw can have many causes, both large and small. Loose teeth can cause jaw pain, temporomandibular jaw disorders can cause jaw pain–but an infected tooth leading to an abscess can also cause jaw pain. If you have had a history of tooth decay or cavities, it may have developed into a tooth abscess, which is causing you tremendous jaw discomfort.
What causes a Tooth Abscess?
The word abscess refers to an opening of space, typically surrounded by other material. A tooth abscess occurs when bacteria opens and occupies a space underneath your tooth, inside the tissues around your tooth root. The bacteria can enter through a cavity and work its’ way down into the root. Once bacteria have entered this area, they can fester and multiply, surviving by breaking down organic tissue. The bacteria grows and increases the area underneath the tooth under the gumline, creating an abscess. An abscess makes the stability of the tooth insecure, because there is a pocket of empty space there. It typically causes pain and discomfort when chewing, and can have discharge like blood and pus.
What are the Symptoms of a Tooth Abscess?
You may begin to notice increased sensitivity to temperatures, either hot or cold. Cold or hot foods or drinks may lead to sharp pain. You may have a persistent or “throbbing” pain throughout your jaw, possibly up to your ear along your temporomandibular jaw bone. There may be sensitivity, discomfort, or pain when chewing. You may also experience some “taste” sensations, like salt, when fluid escapes the abscess, or the abscess pops. The abscess can become infected, which can lead to a fever or swelling of lymph nodes. If you have symptoms like trouble swallowing, or respiratory difficulty, see a Doctor quickly.
What are the risks for a Tooth Abscess?
There are risk factors which increase your likelihood to develop a tooth abscess, these include:
- A history of Cavities
- A Poor Dental health history
- Diabetes, or a high sugar diet
- Conditions or medications which cause dry mouth
The risk factors for people who have a Tooth Abscess are:
- Fever
- Discharge of Blood or Pus
- Tooth Loss
- Jaw Pain
- Extraction
- TMJ Disorder
How to Prevent Tooth infections and Tooth Abscess?
Begin by practicing fastidious dental hygiene. This includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash regularly. Brush gently, in slow circular motions. This will clean your teeth without damaging gums, or causing receding gums. Resist the urge to scrub your teeth. Floss regularly, specifically after meals, to limit the amount of time degraded organic material is lingering between your teeth. Use mouthwash to clean and disinfect surface areas you cannot target with a brush or floss, like the sides of your teeth and the area under your tongue. Maintain regular visits with your dentist, particularly after pain in a tooth area, a cavity, or discharge from your teeth. Consult with a dental hygienist to ensure you are practicing accurate dental hygiene.