Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi oatie,

I am not a doctor but I am in the dental field.

It sounds to me like your fiance has a systemic infection. This means that an infection has traveled from one place to another or to several areas. Oral antibiotics do not cure this type of infection unless the source of the infection has been found and removed.

It also sounds to me like your fiance has poor oral health, decay and periodontal disease based on your statements. ALL of those things will cause and contribute to a systemic infection. Getting rid of a tooth here and there will not cure the problem... it is simply putting a small bandade on a big wound.

Infected teeth, especially those in the upper arch, and/or periodontal disease can easily infect the sinus and beyond. Meaning long term oral infection can travel to the brain and sometimes cause a cancer called Glioblastoma Multiforme.

I know that is scary to think about but it does happen and that is why it is imperative to not take our dental health for granted. Everything that goes on in our mouth affects every other area of our body as the bacteria in the mouth continually travels through the bloodstream, through the lymphatic system and through our major organs. Eventually the immune system becomes overwhelmed and the bacteria takes hold in various areas of the body.

People who have chronic oral infections are not healthy irrelevant of their physical symptoms. His physical symptoms may have appeared to begin after he had the first tooth removed.... however, in all probability he was ill prior to that extraction without obvious symptoms. The removal of his tooth stimulated his immune system to send healing cells which is what it's suppose to do. However in someone who has a systemic infection the stimulation of the immune system wakes up the bacteria and inflammation that is residing elsewhere. This is why it is not wise to remove only part of the problem as with each removal this same scenario plays out causing further or various physical symptoms.

I would suggest that he go to the dentist and find out how severe his dental health is and take the steps to remove all sources of infection. This may mean he will lose all or most of his teeth. He should go to an oral surgeon for the removal of his teeth, not a general dentist. He can discuss replacement options with his general dentist prior to have the oral surgery.

That is my opinion based on my professional experience. I hope he understands the seriousness of his situation and gets the help he needs.