Why a Tooth Infection in Your Jaw Needs Immediate Attention
A tooth infection doesn’t just hurt—it can become a major risk if it spreads to your jaw. Here’s what happens if a tooth infection gets into your jaw: bacteria multiply, causing painful swelling, jawbone infection (osteomyelitis), facial swelling, and even potentially life-threatening complications. Signs of tooth infection reaching the jaw include persistent pain, jaw tenderness, swelling that spreads toward the face or neck, fever, and trouble opening your mouth.
What Happens if a Tooth Infection Gets Into Your Jaw?
- The infection may eat into the jawbone, leading to bone loss, severe pain, and
pus-filled abscesses.
- If untreated, it can enter the bloodstream—causing sepsis—or spread to the neck, face, or even the brain.
- Around 1 in every 2,600 Americans is hospitalized for severe dental infections every year, often because an abscess spreads to the jaw.
One patient described rapid swelling and pain that made it almost impossible to eat or talk; emergency dental treatment was needed to drain the abscess and save the jaw. In the pre-antibiotic era, dental infections caused death rates as high as 10–40%, figures that dropped only with urgent treatment and antibiotics.
Act Fast: Don’t Wait If You Notice Signs
Jaw infections get worse quickly. If you notice swelling, fever, or pain spreading from your tooth into your jaw, it’s time to act. Treatment might include antibiotics, a root canal, or even surgery to prevent long-term damage.
Conclusion: Protect Your Smile—And Your Health
Ignoring a tooth infection risks serious complications—including jawbone loss and life-threatening illness. The sooner treatment begins, the better the outcome. Call Schwimmer Dental and let the team help keep the infection from ruining your jaw—and your peace of mind.
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