How Do You Know If You Have a Tooth Infection?

woman with toothacheTooth infections can cause a significant amount of pain, and they require professional care to prevent serious complications.

What is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection occurs when bacteria enter your tooth and causes inflammation. These infections can result in abscesses that put you at risk of having further complications.

What Are the Signs of a Tooth Infection?

When you have a tooth infection, pain in the affected tooth is one of the most noticeable signs. This pain is typically severe and occurs as a throbbing sensation that can spread to nearby areas, such as your ear or jawbone. You might also have other symptoms if you have a tooth infection. Other signs of these infections include a fever, increased sensitivity to heat and cold, facial swelling and uncomfortable pressure when you chew or bite down.

What Causes a Tooth Infection?

Tooth infections occur when bacteria are able to get inside your tooth. This can happen if you have gum disease, tooth decay or other dental problems from not brushing and flossing properly. Other causes of tooth infections include cracks or chips in teeth that allow bacteria to enter.

What Are the Risk Factors of a Tooth Infection?

Your risk of having a tooth infection is higher if you do not have regular dental cleanings and if you don’t brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis. Other risk factors for tooth infections include eating foods that are high in sugar, which increases your chance of having tooth decay and having a low amount of saliva in your mouth.

What Are Tooth Infection Complications?

Complications from tooth infections include the risk of developing sepsis. It can spread to many other parts of your body. Sepsis can occur if you have a tooth infection that doesn’t drain and isn’t treated.

How Do You Know if the Tooth Infection Has Spread?

A tooth infection might have spread if you have pain in other areas of your body, along with a fever and facial swelling. You might also have difficulty swallowing or breathing if the infection spreads. Keep in mind that this requires emergency care.

What is the Best Antibiotic for a Tooth Infection?

This depends on how severe a tooth infection is and other factors, such as whether or not you have any allergies to penicillin or other antibiotics. Your dentist can prescribe the most effective antibiotic for your tooth infection based on these factors.

Can An Infected Tooth Affect Your Body?

An infected tooth can end up affecting your body if the bacteria and inflammation spread to other areas. Without treatment, the infection can turn into sepsis, which requires immediate care at an emergency room.

How Do I Prevent a Tooth Infection?

There are many ways for you to lower your risk of a tooth infection. In addition to brushing and flossing regularly and properly, you should also have your teeth cleaned twice a year by your dentist. Other ways to prevent tooth infections include replacing your toothbrush every few months, drinking fluoridated water, and eating a healthy diet that’s low in sugar.

If you need treatment for a tooth infection, make an appointment today or call our office at 860-667-2600. At Cedar Mountain Dental, our team is committed to providing high-quality care for all your dental needs.