Did you know that at least 250,000 people in the US die from sepsis every year? Sepsis is a condition in which the body responds to infection by releasing chemicals into the bloodstream, causing inflammation. Sepsis also has the potential to damage multiple organ systems.
Sepsis can be the result of infections throughout the entire body, including those in your mouth. Dental infections can occur in many places, such as your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue and below your teeth as well. When the infection starts within or below your tooth, typically caused by a broken or decayed tooth, the pulp becomes at risk of becoming infected. The pulp of your tooth contains connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels. Infections that form within the pulp can travel outside of the tooth to the bone and other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Bacteria that travel through the bloodstream can not only cause a dental abscess, but sepsis as well.
If you suspect that you have a dental infection, don’t put off coming to the Dentist! Symptoms of a dental infection include sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, fever, and a toothache causing pain in your ear, jawbone and neck. Here at Baxter Springs Family Dentistry, we’re equipped to treat dental infections, and help prevent further infections in the future. Simply give us a call or send us a text to schedule an appointment, we’d love to meet you!
