Can a Toothache Cause a Fever?

Yes, a toothache can cause a fever, especially when an infection is involved. Fever is the body’s way of responding to bacteria, and dental infections are a common reason this happens.

This connection often catches people off guard. The tooth may hurt, but the fever makes it feel like something more serious is going on. In many cases, that’s true. When bacteria spread beyond the tooth, the immune system reacts, which can raise body temperature and make you feel sick.

Let’s discuss how toothaches lead to fever, which dental problems are most likely responsible, and when this combination of symptoms needs professional care rather than waiting it out.

How a Tooth Infection Can Lead to a Fever

When bacteria enter a tooth through decay, a crack, or gum disease, the body doesn’t ignore it, which is why tooth infections can trigger symptoms beyond the mouth. The immune system responds by sending white blood cells to fight the infection. That response often raises body temperature, which shows up as a fever.

As infection builds inside the tooth or spreads into surrounding tissue, pressure and inflammation increase. The body treats this like any other infection, not just a dental issue. Fever is a sign that the immune system is actively working to control the spread.

This is why tooth pain paired with fever shouldn’t be brushed off. It usually means the infection has moved beyond surface irritation and needs proper treatment to fully resolve.

Dental Problems Most Likely to Cause a Fever

Not every toothache is accompanied by a fever. When a fever shows up, it’s usually tied to an infection that has progressed beyond the surface of the tooth.

A tooth abscess is one of the most common causes. Bacteria collect at the root of the tooth or in the surrounding bone, creating pressure, swelling, and infection that can trigger fever. Advanced tooth decay can also allow bacteria to reach the inner pulp, where infection spreads more easily into nearby tissue.

Infected tooth pulp often causes deep, throbbing pain along with fever and fatigue. Gum infections, especially when swelling extends below the gumline, can produce similar symptoms. Impacted or infected wisdom teeth are another frequent source, particularly when swelling and pressure worsen, as seen with wisdom teeth problems.

These conditions don’t usually improve on their own. Fever is often a sign that the infection needs professional care rather than more time to settle.

Can Fever Go Away if Tooth Pain Is Ignored?

Sometimes, yes. A fever can drop even if the tooth problem hasn’t been treated. That’s part of what makes dental infections tricky.

When the body temporarily outpaces the infection, symptoms such as fever or severe pain may ease. Antibiotics, pain relievers, or even changes in pressure can calm things down for a while. But the source of the infection may still be present.

Without dental treatment, bacteria can continue to grow quietly. The fever may recur days or weeks later, often accompanied by increased pain or swelling. That cycle of symptoms easing and flaring back up is a sign the issue hasn’t resolved. It’s just been muted.

What to Do if You Have a Toothache and a Fever

When a toothache and fever show up together, the safest move is to take both seriously.

Start by monitoring your symptoms. If the fever is mild and the pain is manageable, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. A dentist can identify whether the infection is coming from the tooth, the gums, or the surrounding tissue and treat it at the source.

If fever rises, swelling spreads, or pain becomes unbearable, seek urgent care through emergency dental services. Those signs point to an infection that needs urgent attention before dental treatment can take place.

While waiting to be seen, focus on comfort and safety. Use a cold compress for swelling, stay hydrated, and take pain relievers only as directed. Avoid trying to drain anything yourself or relying on home remedies to control infection. They won’t clear the cause.

How We Treat Tooth Infections at Hanna Dental Implant Center

When a toothache causes a fever, treatment needs to focus on eliminating the infection, not just easing symptoms. Dental specialists start by identifying exactly where the infection is coming from and how far it has progressed.

At Hanna Dental Implant Center in Houston, TX, this begins with a thorough exam and imaging to see what’s happening beneath the surface. Once the source is clear, treatment is tailored to stop the infection and protect your overall health.

If the infection is confined to the tooth, treatment may involve removing infected tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent bacteria from returning. When damage is too advanced to save the tooth, emergency tooth extraction may be necessary to stop the infection from spreading. In cases where a tooth must be removed, same-day dental implants can restore function quickly after extraction.

If only one tooth is affected, a single-tooth dental implant provides a stable, long-term replacement that protects your bite and jaw health.

Getting answers early makes a difference. Schedule a consultation now to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

How to know if a fever is from a tooth?

A fever linked to a tooth usually appears alongside tooth pain, swelling in the gums or face, sensitivity, or a bad taste in the mouth. If the fever rises as tooth pain worsens or returns when the tooth flares up, the two are often connected.

What are the symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to the body?

Signs can include persistent or rising fever, facial or neck swelling, jaw stiffness, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, or pain spreading beyond the tooth. These symptoms suggest the infection needs urgent medical and dental care.

What is the 3-3-3 method for a toothache?

The 3-3-3 method is a general guideline. Tooth pain that lasts more than 3 days, spreads to 3 areas such as the jaw, head, or neck, or consistently reaches a pain level of 3 or higher should be checked by a dentist rather than waiting it out.

What causes toothaches in kids?

Toothaches in children are commonly caused by cavities, food trapped between teeth, gum irritation, erupting teeth, or dental trauma. Infections can also occur, especially if pain is paired with swelling or fever.