Signs of a Tooth Infection

A tooth infection can be easy to overlook in the beginning stages of the problem. Still, much like many other maladies of the mouth and teeth, such as gum disease, it is important to see a dentist as soon as the symptoms and signs of tooth infection are recognized. If left untreated for too long, simple cleaning treatments and a prescribed antibiotic may become more invasive through root canal services or implants.

Signs of a Tooth Infection

Infections of a tooth are caused primarily by

• Tooth decay
• Root damage
• Bacteria enter the tooth through inconsistencies in the enamel
• Cavities

If a tooth is infected, there will be a progression of symptoms to pay attention to and reach out to a dental professional as soon as possible. Some examples of tooth infection signs and symptoms are below:

Persistent toothaches

If your teeth ache consistently over time or on and off, seemingly without cause, this is one of the first indicators that a tooth could be infected. Teeth aren’t supposed to hurt naturally, so there is often a reason for it if they do.

Sudden sensitivity to temperature

Sensitivity to hot or cold food is often an indicator of something wrong with a tooth. Most often, it signals thinning or damage to a tooth’s enamel, exposing the root of the tooth closer and closer to the elements. When infected, a tooth and surrounding soft tissues will be extra sensitive to extreme experiences like coffee or ice cream.

Overall pain and tenderness

Even if it can’t be deduced which tooth is the issue or if it even is the tooth itself, there will most likely be pain, swelling, and tenderness in or around the infected area. Swollen gums and inflamed tissue indicate excess blood flow, a common occurrence with an infection of any kind.

Fever

An elevated temperature is the body’s way of stimulating the immune system to fight an invading body, such as foreign bacteria, viruses, and microbes. If a tooth is infected, blood-filled with white blood cells and antibodies will rush to the area, causing even more swelling. The entire system is involved, and it is very important to see a dentist or a healthcare professional depending on the severity of the fever.

Swelling and tender lymph nodes

Much like if someone were to have the flu or another viral infection anywhere in the body, the lymph nodes will swell and become tender to the touch. This is another systemic response to infection, much like the presence of swollen gums, and an excellent time to seek help.

Ways to Treat It

Drain any pus or material from the infected tooth

If an abscess has formed around the infection, the tooth will need to be drained of the harmful material for the root of the tooth and the infection itself to be clean with saline solution.

Perform root canal services

If the root canal and pulp have died or are otherwise untreatable, root canal services may be required to treat the infection and keep more damage from being done. The death of a tooth’s pulp happens very quickly with a tooth infection, which makes it very important to take proper, daily care of your teeth and discuss any changes in your oral health with a dentist.

Teeth extraction

If an infection so badly damages a tooth, it may be necessary to remove the entire tooth to stop the infection from spreading to other teeth or tissues. At this point, any remaining infectious substances will be flushed out and removed from where the tooth and infection had previously been.

Remove any foreign object at fault

If a foreign object has entered the tooth or surrounding areas, causing the infection, a dentist will remove the object, clean the area with saline, and observe any further necessary treatments depending on the state of the tooth.

Supreme Dentistry is Here to Help

A tooth infection can become a serious issue very quickly, so it’s important to recognize the signs of an infection as soon as possible. Even if it’s not entirely confirmed as an infection, dental professionals like those at Supreme Dentistry can help diagnose and treat tooth infections at whatever stage they’re at. Contact Supreme Dentistry at 844.966.2333 to make a preventative health visit today.