Dental Infections and Sepsis: Know the Warning Signs
Dental infections are common but in rare cases, they can become life-threatening. When bacteria from an infected tooth or gum spread beyond the local area, they can affect the jaw, face, neck, and even the bloodstream.
In rare but serious cases, this can lead to sepsis which is a dangerous, body-wide response to infection.
In this article, a dentist explains how to recognise the early warning signs of a spreading dental infection, what sepsis symptoms to watch for, and when to seek urgent medical attention.
What Starts as a Dental Problem…
Most dental infections begin with:
Periapical abscess: forms at the tip of a tooth’s root, usually due to deep decay or trauma
Periodontal abscess: occurs in the gum and supporting tissues, often in patients with gum disease
Pericoronal abscess: may develop around partially erupted wisdom teeth (pericoronitis)
These infections are typically localised at first and may cause pain, swelling, and sensitivity. In many cases, they can be managed promptly with drainage, dental treatment, and antibiotics, if appropriate.
However, if left untreated, the infection can break through tissue barriers and spread into deeper spaces, including:
The cheek and jaw
Under the tongue
Around the throat and airway
Into the bloodstream
What Is Sepsis?
Sepsis is the body’s extreme reaction to an infection. It happens when the immune system goes into overdrive, causing inflammation throughout the body. It can lead to organ failure, shock, and in severe cases, death.
Sepsis is a medical emergency and early detection and rapid treatment are essential.
Red Flags: When to Worry
If you have a dental infection and notice any of the following signs, you must seek urgent care immediately (call 999 or go to your nearest A&E):
Facial swelling that is spreading or affecting the eye or neck
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Trismus (inability to fully open the mouth)
Fever, chills, or shaking
Fast heart rate or rapid breathing
Confusion or drowsiness
Pale, mottled, or clammy skin
Feeling very unwell, very quickly
Even if the dental pain seems manageable, these systemic symptoms usually typically that the infection has gone beyond the tooth.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can develop a spreading infection, but sepsis is more likely in people who are:
Immunocompromised due to illness or medication
Living with diabetes or other chronic conditions
Recently unwell or recovering from surgery
Elderly or very young
Pregnant
These patients may not show typical symptoms and should be assessed sooner rather than later if a dental infection is suspected.
Why Waiting Can Be Dangerous
Delaying treatment of a dental infection increases the risk of:
Deep neck space infections
Airway obstruction
Septicemia
Hospital admission and IV antibiotics
Need for surgical drainage under general anaesthetic
Even if you're unsure whether symptoms are serious, it’s better to be safe especially if significant swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing are present.
Summary
Dental infections are not always straightforward and in rare cases, they can escalate quickly. Sepsis is rare, but serious, and recognising the early signs can save lives.