Can an infected tooth affect your heart?

According to a 2016 study by the Journal of Dental Research, having an undetected tooth infection increases your risk of heart disease by 2.7 times. The risk is highest when a patient has an infection at the tip of any tooth, even if he or she doesn't experience pain or other symptoms.

How do I know if my tooth infection has spread to my heart?

Common symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and nausea. The study involved 508 patients, 36% of whom experienced symptoms of acute coronary syndrome. Dental examinations revealed that 58% of this group suffered from inflammatory lesions at the root tip, a condition called apical periodontitis.

Can a tooth infection spread to your heart?

As such, bacterial infections associated with poor oral health, such as gingivitis and periodontitis, can also spread to the heart. The toxic bacteria can enter the bloodstream and can end up in the heart where they can then cause deadly endocarditis.

How does a tooth infection affect the heart?

The study, published in the Journal of Dental Research¹, has found that people with untreated tooth infections are 2.7 times more likely to have cardiovascular problems, such as coronary artery disease, than patients who have had treatment of dental infections.

Can a tooth infection cause heart pain?

Mediastinitis is another potential health condition (and source of chest pain) that can be associated with tooth infections. The area between the lungs, which contains the heart, windpipe, esophagus and other related structures, is known as the mediastinum. Inflammation in that area is called mediastinitis.

Could Heart Dysfunction Come From an Infected Tooth?

Which tooth is connected to the heart?

Wisdom teeth, on the other hand, connect to the central nervous system, heart, liver, and intestines. They can also signal high blood pressure, eczema, headache, liver disease, pain in the extremities, and cardiovascular disease.

Can rotten teeth cause heart problems?

Gum disease (periodontitis) is associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease. Poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood stream, which can affect the heart valves. Oral health may be particularly important if you have artificial heart valves.

What are the warning signs of endocarditis?

How do I know if my toothache is heart related?

When a toothache is an emergency. Seek emergency treatment if you have the following symptoms, along with a toothache: swelling in your jaw or face, which may be a sign that your tooth infection is spreading. chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or other signs of a heart attack.

Can an infected tooth cause heart palpitations?

What's The Connection Between Gum Infection and Heart Palpitations? Gum disease does not directly cause palpitations, but it increases the risk of heart disease, which is a trigger. The bacteria present in gingivae can spread to the surrounding tissues and the bloodstream, causing inflammation.

Can gum infection affect your heart?

Infection in the Heart's Valves

“The bacteria that live in your mouth when you have gum disease can cross into your bloodstream, enter the heart, and directly infect the vulnerable heart valves,” she says. “That's especially concerning in our patients who have artificial heart valves.”

What happens if an infected tooth is left untreated?

If a tooth infection goes untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body over a period of weeks or months. This can cause serious symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, or trouble swallowing. Death can occur quickly without immediate care.

What health problems can an infected tooth cause?

Can you have endocarditis and not know it?

In the early stages of endocarditis, the symptoms are similar to many other illnesses. This is why many cases go undiagnosed. Many of the symptoms are similar to cases of the flu or other infections, such as pneumonia. However, some people experience severe symptoms that appear suddenly.

How long can a tooth infection go untreated?

If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications. However, once this has happened, death can occur quickly. Factors like older age, having diabetes, or being immunocompromised can increase your risk of complications from a dental abscess.

How do I know if my toothache is serious?

Can a tooth infection cause difficulty breathing?

If you suspect you have an infected tooth, the first thing you should do is schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. If you have severe pain, are having trouble breathing, or notice any signs of sepsis, an emergency room can provide you with more prompt care.

Can a tooth infection cause endocarditis?

In very rare cases, bacteria in the mouth may trigger endocarditis in people at higher risk. Here's what happens: Bacteria found in tooth plaque may multiply and cause gingivitis (gum disease). If not treated, this may become advanced.

What does a heart infection feel like?

General symptoms of a heart infection include chest pain, fever, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can also be present with a life-threatening condition, such as heart attack. Seek immediate medical care if you, or someone you are with, have these symptoms.

How fast does endocarditis develop?

There are two forms of infective endocarditis, also known as IE: Acute IE — develops suddenly and may become life threatening within days. Subacute or chronic IE (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months.

Can an infected root canal cause heart problems?

Untreated root canal infections usually introduce bacteria and pathogens into the bloodstream. Once introduced, they can go to other parts of the body, raising the risk of various diseases, including heart disease. Pathogens in the blood usually trigger system-wide inflammation to fight them off.

Can infection in tooth cause death?

An abscessed tooth can cause very serious consequences including tooth loss, jaw bone damage, sinus involvement, brain infection, heart complications and even death.

Why do dentists ask if you have heart problems?

Usually, oral procedures like teeth cleaning can cause your mouth to bleed, introducing bacteria into your bloodstream and your heart. Therefore, people with heart conditions are at higher risk of developing heart tissue or valve inflammation when bacteria enter the bloodstream.

When is toothache an emergency?

When Is a Toothache a Dental Emergency? If you have a toothache that lasts more than 1-2 days and is causing you a lot of pain or discomfort, you're having a dental emergency. This usually indicates an advanced cavity or an infected tooth. Without proper care, your condition will only get worse.

Can a toothache cause chest pain?

Tooth pain could be something more complex; that is why the following should be considered: Toothache can be related to different problems from sinusitis to chest pain. That is why it should not be ignored or given less importance because it is just “teeth.”