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Home > Dental Answers > My Tooth Hurts > Can a Tooth Infection Make You Sick?

Can a Tooth Infection Make You Sick?

Yes.

A dental infection doesn’t always stay confined to one tooth. As it progresses, it can cause swelling, fever, swollen lymph nodes, difficulty swallowing, or make you feel generally unwell.

Most tooth infections don’t improve without dental treatment. Antibiotics may sometimes be necessary, but they often treat only the infection—not the source of the problem.

If you have swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, contact a dentist as soon as possible. If you’re having trouble breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.