Tag Archives: infected molars

Can tooth decay Affect the Salivary Gland?

I am trying to find a solution for my daughter. She’s had two salivary gland infections and the doctor can’t figure out why. I know the molar above the salivary gland has decay. It is a baby tooth, though, so I haven’t messed with it. It’s going to fall out anyway. Now, I am wondering if maybe that decay is causing her salivary gland problems.

Andrea

Dear Andrea,

Some baby teeth have to stay for many years.

There are a couple of separate issues here. First, let’s talk about that molar with decay. While baby teeth do fall out, your daughter’s molars need to stay until she is around twelve years old. That is when her adult molars will come in. If the molars fall out pre-maturely, then the adjacent teeth will shift or tip into the open space. This will lead to crowding and expensive orthodontics later in life.

You’ll want to preserve that back molar. I would start by getting that decay looked at and filled as quickly as possible. It’s possible at this point that the molar has become infected. If that is the case, then she will need a pulpotomy to keep the tooth viable until it is safe to come out. A pulpotomy is simply a child’s version of a root canal treatment.

I’m concerned your pediatric dentist hasn’t addressed this. Additionally, she should have had her molars sealed to prevent decay to begin with.

Now, regarding her salivary gland. Tooth infections do spread to other parts of the body, which is why they are considered dental emergencies. Because of that, if her tooth is infected, it is possible that it has spread to her salivary gland. Some dental x-rays can let you know either way. You don’t want to leave this any longer because it can also spread to her heart, lungs, or brain. All of those are close to her jaw.

This blog is brought to you Lafayette, LA Dentists Drs. Foreman and Thimmesch.