Can a tooth infection affect your whole body?
Sarah Cherry
Updated on February 23, 2026
Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to the face and neck. Severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body. In some cases, they may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.
What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body?
Signs of a tooth infection spreading to the body may include:
- fever.
- swelling.
- dehydration.
- increased heart rate.
- increased breathing rate.
- stomach pain.
Can a tooth infection cause whole body inflammation?
Infections can start off small and mild, but if left untreated, they can spread throughout the body. If the infection continues to spread, your immune system may get overwhelmed and trigger inflammation throughout the body, which is called sepsis.Can a tooth infection make you physically sick?
Feeling UnwellThe first thing you may notice is that you start to feel unwell. That nagging toothache may turn into a nagging headache. The pain may also travel up your jawbone and into your ear. You may also notice that you start to feel fatigued like you are about to come down with something.
What can infected teeth do to your body?
If the bacterial infection from an infected tooth spreads to the blood, it can cause a medical condition known as sepsis. Sepsis is a blood infection that can occur when the immune system is weak, for example, hospital patients are susceptible to sepsis. In addition, young children and seniors are also prone to sepsis.Can an Infected Tooth Cause an Infection in Your Body?
How long does it take to get sepsis from tooth infection?
To summarize: It can potentially take several months for a dental abscess to develop. Once an abscess has formed, noticeable pain and swelling around the affected tooth usually occur. If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications.Can tooth decay cause inflammation in the body?
If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body.Can a tooth infection cause headaches and dizziness?
Toothaches are painful conditions that can result from a variety of reasons. While the most common symptoms of toothaches include throbbing pain, swelling, sore jaw and gum tenderness, other complications may also occur, including headache and dizziness.Can a tooth infection affect your brain?
There are 3 main ways a brain abscess can develop. These are: an infection in another part of the skull – such as an ear infection, sinusitis or dental abscess, which can spread directly into the brain.Can a rotten tooth cause stomach problems?
Gum disease leads to the increased presence of harmful oral bacteria in the mouth. When harmful bacteria build up, it can then be ingested and travel to the stomach. Once there, the bacteria can cause inflammation to develop in the stomach, reports the research team.Can a gum infection affect your whole body?
Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to the face and neck. Severe infections may even reach more distant parts of the body. In some cases, they may become systemic, affecting multiple tissues and systems throughout the body.Can a tooth infection cause flu like symptoms?
As you might expect, dental abscesses are painful, as it causes swelling in your gums. This swelling can extend to your throat and trigger common influenza feelings, such as headaches, runny nose, or congestion. It is essential that you get a dental abscess treated as soon as possible.How does inflammation in the mouth affect the body?
"The theory is that inflammation in the mouth causes inflammation in the blood vessels," says Cram. This can increase the risk for heart attack in a number of ways. Inflamed blood vessels allow less blood to travel between the heart and the rest of the body, raising blood pressure.What are the signs of sepsis in adults?
These can include:
- feeling dizzy or faint.
- a change in mental state – such as confusion or disorientation.
- diarrhoea.
- nausea and vomiting.
- slurred speech.
- severe muscle pain.
- severe breathlessness.
- less urine production than normal – for example, not urinating for a day.
Can a tooth infection cause joint pain?
Joints can be affected due to the dental infection and leads to a host of problems. Bacterial joint inflammation is a serious and painful infection in a joint. Oral Hygiene is one of the most pressing issues in the world.Can toothache cause neck and shoulder pain?
When we have discomfort in one area, it can radiate to another. Surprisingly, many dental problems can trigger neck, shoulder, and even back pain.What are the signs of a brain infection?
A cerebral abscess is an infection in your brain. It is a medical emergency that requires treatment right away. Symptoms can include headache, fever, changes in consciousness, confusion, neck stiffness, vomiting, seizures, weakness, trouble moving, and changes in vision.Which teeth are connected to which body parts?
How Are Your Teeth Connected To the Other Organs In Your Body?
- Lungs – Upper premolars, lower first and second molars.
- Large intestine – Upper premolars, lower first and second molars.
- Spleen – Lower premolars.
- Stomach – Upper first and second molars, lower premolars.