Man contracts tetanus suspected to be caused by tooth decay.

Despite having no external wounds, only a toothache and mouth ulcers, a 57-year-old man from Phu Tho province unexpectedly contracted tetanus. This is a dangerous disease that progresses rapidly and is unpredictable.

The male patient is being cared for at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases - Photo: Provided by the hospital.

The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases recently admitted a 57-year-old male patient, LCL, a farmer, who was transferred to the hospital with mild generalized hypertonia.

According to the medical history, about a week before admission, Mr. L. exhibited symptoms of mouth ulcers, tongue pain, and had a cavity in his upper molar (number 26) that had not been treated. For the past four days, the patient has experienced characteristic symptoms such as progressively increasing jaw stiffness and mild spasms in the arms and legs.

Although he had no fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath, his jaw stiffness restricted his eating and speaking. His family took him to the hospital for examination, where he was suspected of having tetanus, and was then transferred to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases for treatment.

At the emergency department, Dr. Pham Thanh Bang stated that the patient was admitted with jaw stiffness, mouth opening only 1cm, difficulty moving the tongue, and mild generalized increased muscle tone.

Tooth R26 has a cavity but no pus, and the surrounding mucosa is not swollen. The patient has a history of untreated rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctors diagnosed tetanus (along with rheumatoid arthritis), concluding that the tetanus bacteria most likely entered through damage to the tooth roots, especially in decayed teeth.

Dr. Bang explained that tooth decay creates cavities and enclosed pockets of infection, providing an ideal anaerobic environment for tetanus spores to thrive. Tetanus bacteria typically enter through small lesions in the oral cavity.

Furthermore, the habit of flossing also increases the risk when using substandard materials and not practicing daily oral hygiene. Toxins bind to nerves, causing continuous muscle spasms, typically manifested as jaw stiffness.

According to Dr. Bang, tetanus is preventable through vaccination. In addition, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups to detect and treat cavities promptly. People should avoid using toothpicks or sharp objects to clean their teeth, as these can cause bleeding gums and open wounds that allow bacteria to enter.

All open wounds, no matter how small, should be cleaned immediately with clean water. If the wound is deep, dirty, or shows signs of infection, seek immediate medical attention for treatment and timely tetanus vaccination.

High-risk groups, in particular, such as children, pregnant women, and those who frequently work outdoors and are 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