Dear Lykkers, when we experience a fever, we often assume it's due to a viral infection or a cold.

However, if you're dealing with a long-term low-grade fever, this could be a sign of something more serious—and it may even be related to your teeth!

Dental issues like infections, abscesses, or untreated gum disease can often cause chronic low-grade fevers. Here's what you need to know about how your dental health can affect your body temperature and why you shouldn't ignore these symptoms.

How Dental Health Impacts Your Body Temperature

Dental issues such as tooth abscesses, untreated cavities, or gum disease can cause infections in the mouth. These infections can spread to other parts of the body, leading to systemic symptoms like fever. The body reacts to the infection by increasing its temperature, a natural defense mechanism designed to fight off harmful bacteria.

The Link Between Dental Infections and Chronic Low-Grade Fever

Infected teeth: A severe infection in a tooth can lead to an abscess. This infection may not only cause local pain and swelling but also trigger a low-grade fever.

Gum disease: Gingivitis or periodontitis, which are common gum infections, can also lead to a mild, persistent fever. When left untreated, these conditions can worsen and potentially result in more serious health complications.

Systemic impact: If a dental infection goes unnoticed or untreated for an extended period, it can spread beyond the mouth, causing inflammation in other organs and systems, leading to chronic low-grade fever.

Common Symptoms of Dental Infections Linked to Fever

If you're experiencing a persistent low-grade fever and also notice the following symptoms, it could be related to a dental issue:

Tooth pain or sensitivity

Swelling in the gums or around the affected tooth

Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth

Pain while chewing or swallowing

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you notice persistent fever alongside any of the symptoms listed above, it's crucial to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to complications such as sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by an infection spreading throughout the body. Early detection and treatment of dental infections can prevent the fever from becoming a more serious health issue.

A long-term low-grade fever shouldn't be dismissed, especially if it's accompanied by other dental-related symptoms. Dental health is essential to your overall well-being, and taking care of your teeth can prevent a variety of health complications, including chronic fever.

If you're experiencing a persistent fever, don't wait—schedule an appointment with your dentist and get to the root cause of the problem.