I live in Canada so my numbers might be different from the US standards.  My last CBC blood test came back that my white blood cell count was 12.7 (doctor said likes to see it below 11).  She says this indicates cancer (did I mention her bedside manner sucks?).  I have been having problems with a couple of teeth for the last 4 months and have had several procedures done on them and I am going back again this week.  Seems coincidental that my WBC was high the last two times and fits in to the time period of the tooth problems.  I should mention that I smoke which probably doesnt help.  This is the first time I have had a high WBC without a valid reason for it (i.e. sinus infection, diarrhea etc.).  Should I be freaking out?
Hi! Welcome to Chat Doctor! The normal total leukocyte (white blood cells) count ranges from 4000 to 11,000 per microliter in an adult. White blood cells help protect the body against diseases and fight infections. There are numerous causes for increases in neutrophils, lymphocytes etc. but the most common cause of Leukocytosis is secondary to infection (localized or generalized)or tissue necrosis due to any cause, in your case it can be due to infection in your teeth. The degree of leukocytosis depends upon several factors like its cause, severity of the infection, resistance of the body, localization of the inflammatory process (greater neutrophil leukocytosis is produced by a localized disease process rather than a generalized one) and modification by treatment. Your WBC count is only slightly raised so don't worry. A course of antibiotics will bring it down. Take care!