In dental infections, a CBC count with differential is not mandatory, but a large outpouring of immature granulocytes may indicate the severity of the infection. Blood cultures in patients who are toxic may help guide management if the course is prolonged.
Signs of bacteremia could be slight fever, nausea and distal infection. Rarely, bacteremia may resolve on its own. It also may progress into septicemia, a more serious blood infection that is always accompanied by symptoms such as chills, high fever, rapid heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting and confusion.
If the bacterial infection from an infected tooth spreads to the blood, it can cause a medical condition known as sepsis. Sepsis is a blood infection that can occur when the immune system is weak; for example, hospital patients are susceptible to sepsis. In addition, young children and seniors are also prone to sepsis.
Hyper-reactive white blood cells can be induced in patients with infections such as periodontal disease and promote atherosclerosis at distant sites, particularly in areas of disturbed blood flow (Johnstone et al., 2007).
White blood cell count.
A white blood cell count that's higher than usual most commonly is due to an infection or inflammation. Or it could point to an immune system disorder or a bone marrow disease. A high white blood cell count also can be a reaction to medicines or hard exercise.
For example, half of patients presenting to the hospital with bacteremia may have a normal WBC (2). Thus, while a substantially abnormal WBC may suggest the presence of infection, a normal WBC reveals little.
A persistently high fever, dizziness, lightheadedness, a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion, and digestive problems are potential signs of sepsis and should be treated as a medical emergency.
If you have a severe tooth infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. 1 Antibiotics may prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications.
While it takes a long time for a tooth infection to become fatal, it's possible for a tooth infection to develop into sepsis if left untreated. Typically, this process takes a few months.
Your dentist can also use X-rays to determine if the infection has spread and may be affecting other areas. Recommend a CT scan: If the infection has spread to other areas within your neck, this will help to identify the extent of the infection.
Penicillin-type drugs are common forms of antibiotics for tooth infections. This includes penicillin and amoxicillin. Some dentists may also recommend amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, which a person can get under the brand name Augmentin. This combination may help eliminate more stubborn bacteria.
If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature (fever) and feel generally unwell. In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Sepsis following a bacterial infection from a dental condition or treatment is rare. However, it can be a life-threatening condition if patients are not managed appropriately. It is therefore essential providers and their teams are aware of the signs and symptoms of sepsis and how it should be managed.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends: Oral amoxicillin (if you are not allergic to penicillin): 500 mg three times a day for 3 to 7 days. Oral penicillin (as a second option): 500 mg four times per day for 3 to 7 days.
It typically helps to resolve tooth infection symptoms within a few days, but as with all medications, amoxicillin may also cause side effects. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you're experiencing unwanted side effects, or if your tooth infection isn't improving or is getting worse with treatment.
Tooth infections that have traveled to the jawbone can lead to severe dental abscesses and jawbone infections. Osteomyelitis in the jaw causes persistent pain, jaw stiffness, swelling, and tenderness. Additionally, bacterial infections of the teeth can also spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis.
As sepsis worsens or septic shock develops, an early sign, particularly in older people or the very young, may be confusion or decreased alertness. Blood pressure decreases, yet the skin is paradoxically warm. Later, extremities become cool and pale, with peripheral cyanosis and mottling.
White blood cells (also called leukocytes) fight bacteria, viruses, and other organisms your body identifies as a danger. A higher than normal amount of WBCs in your blood could mean that you have an infection.
Sepsis can affect your mental status. Some people, especially the elderly, may not show typical signs of infection. Instead, they may show a sudden change in mental status, becoming confused, or a worsening of dementia and confusion. Sleepiness, often severe, is also a common complaint.
CBC, bilirubin, and creatinine tests are also used in calculating SOFA scores and may help identify patients with sepsis. Singer M, Deutschman CS, Seymour CWarren, et al. The Third International Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). JAMA.
When you get sick, your body makes more white blood cells to fight the bacteria, viruses, or other foreign substances causing your illness. This increases your white blood count. Other diseases can cause your body to make fewer white blood cells than you need. This lowers your white blood count.