What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection can sneak up on you. It usually starts with a dull ache and, if ignored, can escalate quickly, leading to more intense discomfort and serious health issues. Infections don’t just impact your mouth; they can affect your whole body. Learning to recognize the early signs helps you seek care faster, keeping you on the path to a healthy smile.

1. What is a Tooth Infection?

An abscessed tooth or infection occurs when bacteria find their way inside the tooth, often through a cavity or crack, and multiply. When bacteria reach the pulp (the soft inner part of the tooth root filled with nerves and blood vessels), they can trigger an infection.

Think of the tooth pulp as the heart of your tooth. When it gets infected, your body responds by sending WBCs to fight off the bacteria. This battle can cause pain, swelling, and other symptoms.

Common types of tooth infections include:

• Periapical Abscess: Develops at the tooth’s root tip.
• Periodontal Abscess: Develops in the gums around the tooth’s root.

2. Common Causes of Tooth Infections

Tooth infections are often preventable. They typically result from untreated dental issues or injuries. Here are some frequent causes:

• Untreated Cavities: When plaque builds up on your teeth and isn’t removed through brushing and flossing, it can lead to decay. If not treated, the decay progresses, creating a path for bacteria to infect the tooth.
• Trauma to the Tooth: Any physical damage to a tooth, like a crack or fracture, can open the door for bacteria to invade.
• Gum Disease: Gingivitis or periodontitis can weaken the gums, allowing bacteria to spread below the gum line.

Regular oral health assessments with a dentist near you can catch these issues early. Preventing a tooth infection is often as simple as routine dental care and addressing minor issues before they escalate.

3. Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Tooth infections often come with warning signs. Here’s what to watch for:

Persistent Tooth Pain

One of the most obvious indicators of an infection is tooth pain that doesn’t go away. This dental pain can vary from a mild ache to an intense, throbbing sensation that disrupts daily activities. You might notice it more when lying down or during meals. If your toothache isn’t easing up, it’s likely not going to disappear on its own.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Ever taken a sip of coffee or a bite of ice cream and felt a sudden sharp pain? That’s sensitivity, which could mean an underlying infection. Temperature sensitivity, especially if new or worsening, could signal that bacteria have reached the nerve in the tooth.

Swelling and Redness in the Gums

Swollen or red gums around a particular tooth might indicate an infection. Swelling is your body’s natural response to infection, and when bacteria are at play, the area around the infected tooth may look inflamed and feel tender to the touch.

Bad Taste or Odor in the Mouth

An unpleasant taste or bad breath could result from pus leaking out from an infected tooth. It’s a sign that shouldn’t be ignored, as it often points to an advanced infection.

Difficulty Chewing or Biting

An infected tooth often makes chewing uncomfortable, especially if the infection is near the root. You might instinctively avoid chewing on one side to minimize discomfort.

Fever or Fatigue

Tooth infections aren’t just local; they can affect your whole body. If you feel unusually tired or develop a fever alongside other symptoms, your body may be responding to the infection’s spread.

4. Possible Complications if Left Untreated

Leaving a tooth infection untreated can have serious consequences. Here’s why prompt treatment matters:

• Spreading Infection: Bacteria from an untreated tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body, potentially reaching the jaw, neck, or even the brain.
• Bone Loss: A severe infection can lead to loss of bone in the jaw around the tooth.
• Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: In rare cases, if the infection spreads enough, it can impact your ability to breathe or swallow. This becomes an emergency situation.

Ignoring symptoms might seem convenient, but the risks aren’t worth it. By seeking treatment early from a family dentist near you, you can avoid painful complications and potentially save your tooth.

Conclusion

Tooth infections are a clear sign that something’s wrong, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Understanding the symptoms helps you recognize when to take action. If you notice persistent pain, sensitivity, or swelling, don’t wait. These early indicators are your body’s way of telling you that it’s time to get help.

End Tooth Pain Today—Book Your Visit!

If you’re experiencing any signs of a tooth infection in Citrus Heights, CA, don’t hesitate to reach out. New Vision Dentistry is here to help with compassionate, reliable care. Schedule an appointment today to get back to smiling confidently and comfortably.