Dental Health & Overall Health

You are likely among the many who do not realize the ways that issues in the mouth can affect other parts of the body. An abscessed tooth, an infection which usually results from severe tooth decay, occurs at the root of a tooth. The main symptom of an abscessed tooth is a very bad toothache. A few other common symptoms include:
– Fever
– Pain when chewing
– Bad halitosis
– Red, inflamed gums
– Swollen neck glands
– Draining sores on the gums
– Swollen jaw joint(s)
As an abscessed tooth is located in the mouth, this infection is easily spread to other parts of the body. An infection in the mouth can spread to the brain through the blood vessels. This can lead to a brain abscess, and even a coma. Infection can also spread to the sinuses and cause a sinus infection. Bacteria can spread to the heart and cause a condition called bacterial endocarditis. An abscessed tooth can also cause a face and jaw infection which can restrict the airways. Infection can spread to the lungs. The bacteria that cause diseases like bronchitis and pneumonia often come from the oral cavity. Poor oral health can cause an increase in these bacteria before they move to the lungs.
To avoid an abscessed tooth and other oral issues that could affect your overall health, Dr. Chad Ellis urges you to visit our office regularly for dental cleanings in Orem, Utah. In this way, any dental issues can be caught and dealt with early. In addition, schedule an appointment with our dentist at The Smile Studio immediately if you have a toothache or another dental emergency.