“Can a tooth infection cause facial swelling?”
I am a 36 year old male. I want to know if a tooth infection can cause facial swelling?
3 Answers
Yes, it can. You need to see your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible.
Take care,
Dr. Ostanina
Take care,
Dr. Ostanina
yes
Hello,
Tooth infections do often cause facial swelling. The reason for this is because the bacteria from a tooth cause the immune system to react. This is a battle between that usually occurs at the root tip of the tooth. Part of the immune response to the infection (bacteria) is a process called edema. This means that the blood vessels that lead to the area swell up and leak fluid into the area. The process allows immune cells to get to the area. However, it means that a lot of fluid builds up in the area causing the facial swelling (since the roots of teeth are located in the face). At this point an antibiotic is normally needed to fight the infection. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
Tooth infections do often cause facial swelling. The reason for this is because the bacteria from a tooth cause the immune system to react. This is a battle between that usually occurs at the root tip of the tooth. Part of the immune response to the infection (bacteria) is a process called edema. This means that the blood vessels that lead to the area swell up and leak fluid into the area. The process allows immune cells to get to the area. However, it means that a lot of fluid builds up in the area causing the facial swelling (since the roots of teeth are located in the face). At this point an antibiotic is normally needed to fight the infection. Hope this helps.
My best to you!
William F. Scott IV, DMD
