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can a hugely inflammed tooth cause problems in your body ...
Sent to Health Experts August 07 04:28 PM

can a hugely inflammed tooth cause problems in your body such as swelling in your hands, knees & feet?

 

Optional Information:
Male, Age: 62, New Hampshire

Already Tried:
antibiotics, herbs & predizone

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
August 7 4:38 PM (10 minutes and 25 seconds later)
         
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Dear Customer (name blocked for privacy),

Although there is a remote possibility of spread of bacteria from a dental infection through the bloodstream causing local infection in a joint, this would not explain the spread of inflammation to multiple areas such as you describe.

For example, it is now normal practice to administer antibiotics to a patient who has recently received an artificial joint prior to certain types of dental treatment, in order to prevent infection in that prosthetic joint. However, this is due to the special vulnerability of an artificial joint; natural joints do not normally display this vulnerability to transient bacteremia (short-term bacterial seeding in the bloodstream).

So, although there is no question that a "hugely" inflamed tooth should receive professional dental attention, it is unlikely to be related to your widespread swelling. For this complaint, you should consult with your medical doctor, who will no doubt investigate the possibility of either some form of allergy or arthitic condition.

Hope this helps...


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Mark Bornfeld DDS
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