Problems in the mouth can be visible and painful, but they can also be hidden and painless. We rarely think about these problems more broadly, as a possible source (focus) of infection that can affect the entire body and your overall health. One of the most common issues that can impact your entire system is an infected tooth.
What is an infected tooth?
This term refers to a “dead” tooth that has either never been treated or was inadequately treated. In both cases, bacteria remain inside the tooth, causing infection in the tissue around the root tip. This is commonly known as an abscess or pus pocket. The infection can be acute or chronic.
How does a tooth become infected?
- As a result of untreated tooth decay that has reached the nerve;
- Through a periodontal pocket in the bone beside the tooth (in cases of periodontitis);
- In teeth exposed to trauma or impact.
Possible symptoms
- Spontaneous pain or pain while chewing;
- Swelling, fever, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck;
- Unpleasant taste and bad breath;
- Swollen and red gums;
- A “pimple” on the gum (the drainage channel for the abscess);
- Tooth discoloration;
- Tooth mobility.
Unfortunately, in many cases, infected teeth may show no symptoms. Patients often don’t know they have an active infection in their body. These teeth are usually discovered during routine dental exams or when they begin to negatively affect your health.
How can an infected tooth affect your health?
Any infection in the body is a red flag, and the same applies to your teeth. Due to their location, teeth can affect distant organs. In healthy individuals, infected teeth usually remain localized and rarely spread.
However, in cases of weakened immunity or existing systemic conditions (autoimmune diseases, diabetes, cancer, heart problems), the presence of bacteria in the body can be very dangerous. Bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and cause infections in distant organs. Affected areas may include the heart, lungs, brain, sinuses, joints, skin, kidneys, and the digestive system.
Prevention and treatment tips
- Maintain proper oral hygiene regularly;
- Visit your dentist at least once a year for a check-up;
- Re-treat teeth that were previously inadequately treated;
- Extract teeth that can no longer be saved—don’t keep them in your jaw! This is a common mistake in everyday practice;
- Always take a follow-up X-ray 6–12 months after treatment;
- If you have multiple root-treated teeth, monitor them with new X-rays every two years;
- Replace all old, worn-out, or inadequate fillings.
Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about having a pretty smile or being pain-free. Oral health is much more than that—it plays a key role in your overall well-being.
