I have read that tooth infection can spread to the brain. Is it true?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have had some pain and sensitivity in the upper right back tooth for a while now. I am not sure when it started. I did not think much of it until a few days ago when my gums right around those teeth got very inflamed and tender. It looked like there were two black spots on the gums, which went away the next day. The gums are still a bit tender, but not painful like a few days ago. I noticed the lymph node under my chin was swollen, that went away, and now the lymph node on the right back of my head is swollen and causing me some pain, like a headache. I am scared it is an abscessed tooth, and I was reading online that tooth infections can quickly spread to the brain, making them potentially fatal. I have a dentist appointment at 9 AM tomorrow morning, but I am scared. Should I go to the ER now? Will not I have a fever if it was really bad? Any help you can give is appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query.

First of all, do not worry, as infections reaching brain from tooth infection is very rare, and you need not to worry about it at all. It can an infected lymph node. Consult your dentist and get evaluated. He can take an x-ray of your tooth. You can be first of all advised a course of antibiotics like Augmentin (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) along with anti-inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen and do cool compresses over the swelling. The tooth can be treated with root canal treatment if it is still in a condition to be saved, otherwise, extraction will be done. Hope this helps. Regards.

I have read that tooth infection can spread to the brain. Is it true?

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