Is it a toothache or something more serious? It’s important to know the signs of a tooth infection because, if left untreated, it can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. In this article, we’ll break down the five most common signs of a tooth infection, so you can properly assess your oral health and get the help you need if needed.

When you have a tooth infection, it’s important to seek treatment right away. If you let the infection go untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.

To help you determine if you have a tooth infection, we’ve put together a list of common symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend seeing your dentist as soon as possible.

Pain: One of the most common signs of a tooth infection is pain. The pain can be constant or intermittent and may worsen when you chew or bite down.
Swelling: If your tooth is infected, you may notice swelling in your gums or face. The swelling may be accompanied by pain and tenderness.
Redness: An infected tooth may appear red or inflamed. You may also notice redness in your gums or around the affected tooth.
Drainage: A sign that your tooth infection has progressed is drainage from the affected tooth. This drainage may be pus-like and can cause bad breath.
Fever: Sometimes, a tooth infection can cause a low-grade fever. If you have a fever along with other symptoms of an infection, see your dentist right away.

What Is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection is an infection that occurs in the tissues around the tooth, including the gums and jawbone. The most common cause of a tooth infection is bacteria that enter the tooth through a crack or cavity. Once the bacteria are inside the tooth, they can multiply and cause an infection. Symptoms of a tooth infection include pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other body parts and lead to serious health complications.

Signs of a Tooth Infection

If you think you might have a tooth infection, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs of tooth infection:

Pain is usually the first and most obvious sign that something is wrong. If you have a toothache that won’t go away, it could be a sign of an infection.
Sensitivity: If your tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it could signify an infection.
Swelling: If your gums or face start to swell, it could be a sign of an infection.
Drainage: If you see pus coming from your gums or notice that your saliva is thick and yellowish, it could be a sign of an infection.

Pain and Other Symptoms

You may experience pain in the affected tooth or the surrounding gums when you have a tooth infection. The pain may be constant or may come and go. Other symptoms of a tooth infection include:

Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

Swelling in the face or jaw

Redness or inflammation of the gums

A bad taste in the mouth

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you must see a dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to other body parts and become life-threatening.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you think you might have a tooth infection, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. They can diagnose the infection and recommend the best course of treatment.

There are a few different ways that dentists can treat tooth infections. The first is with antibiotics. This can be either in pill form or as a mouthwash. The second option is to have a root canal. This is where the dentist removes the infected tissue from inside the tooth. Finally, the tooth may need to be extracted if the infection is severe.

Whichever treatment option your dentist recommends, it’s important to follow their instructions carefully. If you don’t, the infection could spread and become more serious.

Prevention Tips

You can do a few things to prevent tooth infections or, at the very least, reduce your risk of developing one. First and foremost, brush and floss your teeth regularly. This will remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which can cause infections. Secondly, see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help to detect any problems early on and keep your mouth healthy. Finally, if you have any existing dental problems, get them treated as soon as possible to reduce your risk of infection.

Conclusion

I hope this article has made it easier for you to recognize the signs of a tooth infection and take steps to get it treated. Whether you are experiencing pain, swelling, fever, foul breath or taste, or unusual discharge from the infected area—these can all be signs that something is wrong with your teeth and that it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If ignored, tooth infections can become more serious and even lead to bone loss. Don’t hesitate if you think your mouth may be trying to tell you something!

FAQ

What is a tooth infection?

A tooth infection is an infection of the tooth’s pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerve fibres, and other tissues that help to protect your teeth. An infection in the pulp can cause pain, swelling, and even abscesses (pockets of pus).

How do you get a tooth infection?

You can get a tooth infection by eating foods that are not completely cooked or swallowing toxins from other sources. These infections can also be caused by poor oral care habits, such as not flossing or brushing properly.