Man with tetanus suspected to be caused by tooth decay

Although there were no external wounds, only toothache and mouth ulcers, a 57-year-old man (in Phu Tho) suddenly contracted tetanus. This is a dangerous disease that progresses rapidly and unpredictably.

The male patient is being cared for at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases - Photo: BVCC

The Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases has just received a 57-year-old male patient with LCL, a farmer, who was transferred to the hospital in a state of mild muscle hypertonia throughout the body.

According to the medical history, about a week before being admitted to the hospital, Mr. L. had symptoms of mouth ulcers, tongue pain, and untreated decay in his upper molar number 26. In the past four days, the patient has had typical symptoms such as progressive jaw stiffness and mild stiffness in his arms and legs.

Although he had no fever, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing, his stiff jaw limited his ability to eat and talk. His family took him to the hospital for examination with a suspected diagnosis of tetanus, so he was transferred to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases for treatment.

At the emergency department, Dr. Pham Thanh Bang said the patient was admitted with a stiff jaw, mouth opening only 1cm, tongue difficulty moving, and mild muscle hypertonia throughout the body.

Tooth R26 has cavities but no pus, surrounding mucosa is not swollen. Patient has a history of untreated rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctors diagnosed tetanus (with rheumatoid arthritis), and determined that it was highly likely that tetanus bacteria had entered through damage to the tooth root area, especially in cavities.

Dr. Bang said that cavities create holes and closed infections, creating an ideal anaerobic environment for tetanus spores to develop. Tetanus bacteria often enter through small lesions in the oral cavity.

In addition, the habit of flossing also increases the risk when using unsafe materials and not practicing daily oral hygiene. The toxin attaches to the nerves, causing continuous muscle spasms, with the typical manifestation being jaw stiffness.

According to Dr. Bang, tetanus is a disease that can be prevented by vaccination. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to clean oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups to detect and treat cavities promptly. People should avoid using bamboo toothpicks or sharp objects to pick their teeth, which can cause bleeding gums and create open wounds for bacteria to enter.

Any open wound, no matter how small, should be washed immediately with clean water. If the wound is deep, dirty, or shows signs of infection, go to a medical facility immediately for treatment and timely tetanus vaccination.

Especially high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women and people who regularly work in the fields, exposed to soil and dirt, need to proactively get vaccinated to protect their health.

WILLOW

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-dan-ong-mac-uon-van-nghi-do-sau-rang-20250926153929713.htm