Why do I feel so ill even though I only have a mouth abscess?

Question

I have had the abscess for 2 days (the side of my face is like a tennis ball!), have just got anitbiotics today, I have flu like symtoms and am really tired, do you think this is related?

Answer 1

Hi.I am a dentist and as luck would have it I suffered an abscess before Christmas.Your symptoms are caused by the abscess..the infection leaks toxins and makes you ill generally.Having a fever is a good sign it means your body is fighting the infection.The antibiotics will clear it..WHEN you're finished the antibiotics the pain wil be gone but dont let it go..RETURN to dentist and have tooth out or root canalled.
In the meantime I cant stress enough how important it is to gargle with salt and warm water..you MUST do this all day,it will draw out the infection.Take your antibiotics as prescribed,your symptoms will diminish.The fact that your face is swollen is good it means the abscess is 'coming to a head'and not confined to tooth causing more pressure and worse pain.You're on antibiotics so dont worry.
Good luck mate

Answer 2

A mouth abscess is stil an infection adn your body is responding to it the same way it responds to ANY infection. all your flu like symptoms are just side effects of processes your immune system is going through in an attempt to rid your body of the infection. it also takes a lot of extra energy to mobilize those killer T-immune cells so thats why you're tired.

Answer 3

Oh yea, it is! I had a terrible abcess about a month back. ended up in er and getting 3 teeth extracted. I felt terrible. spent more than one day in bed fighting it all. you should feel better in a day or two, I wish you luck!

Answer 4

yes, the infection will still be in your blood stream and making you feel ill