How come when when you have a dental infection, your white blood count and temp don't rise?

Not unusual: Dental infections are usually very low grade infections and the body is able to fight them for a good while. However, left unchecked, a dental infection can cause a jump in white cell counts and in basal body temperature. It is so easy to keep dental infections in check just by visiting a dentist and having regular check ups.

Localized: Dental infections are usually well localized. In some cases, the infection will cause a warm feeling in the area. If the infection becomes systemic, you will develope a fever and an elevated white count.

Takes time: Often times we group all dental infections into one category or 'present' or 'not present.' in reality, when they occur tooth abscesses exist as a spectrum of barely there to severe. Our immune systems can do an amazing job at keeping dental abscesses localized and from spreading. Eventually, however, the immune system becomes overwhelmed. Until this happens, most systemic signs are absent.