You should never neglect your tooth pain in the first place. However, we often ignore the importance of toothache and do not take any action to treat it. Did you know that this pain can be a sign of a tooth infection that needs immediate attention? Find out about the key signs of tooth infection and what treatments are available to relieve the pain and prevent tooth loss.
What Causes a Tooth Infection and How Does It Develop?
Could your toothache be an infection? Bacteria can enter a tooth through a chip, crack, or cavity and cause an infection. When gum disease is present, gum infections can also lead to tooth infections. A high-sugar diet, dry mouth, and poor dental hygiene will all raise your chance of developing a tooth infection. You cannot get rid of the bacteria that stay on your teeth if you do not brush and floss twice a day.
What Are the Signs of a Tooth Infection?
If you are a resident of San Antonio and have noticed any of the signs mentioned here, then visit a San Antonio dentist as soon as possible:
Constant Toothaches
A cavity may be the cause of excruciating tooth discomfort. Untreated dental decay has the potential to worsen and spread to your jawbone and other teeth. Therefore, you should see your dental practitioner right away if your tooth pain persists for more than a week.
Tooth Sensitivity or Pain
One of the most obvious symptoms of a tooth infection is throbbing tooth pain. On the same side as the pain, this throbbing pain is frequently also experienced in the jawbone, neck, or ear. Either a broken tooth or an infected and inflamed pulp inside the tooth are the most common causes of tooth sensitivity.
A Fever
Your body is attempting to fight off an illness when you have a fever. Therefore, a tooth infection may be the cause of your fever if you do not have any other cold or flu symptoms. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help your body fight off a tooth infection.
Sore, Red, Inflamed, or Bleeding Gums
Your gums will be swollen, red, irritated, and possibly bleed if you have an infection, especially during brushing and flossing. Bacterial toxins that irritate and harm gum tissue are the source of this inflammation.
Tender and Swollen Lymph Nodes
Your lymph nodes enlarge when your teeth are exposed to excessive amounts of germs. Therefore, see your dental practitioner if your jawline and neck are sore and inflamed.
Observing Deep Pits or Holes in the Teeth
Cavities typically begin as small white patches on the surface of the tooth. Additionally, a cavity will erode the enamel over time. The appearance of holes or deep pits on a tooth indicates the worsening of an infection or cavity.
Achieve Healthier Teeth With Us
Are you ready to enhance your oral health by taking proper care? Neglecting your toothache will only worsen the situation and increase the chance of tooth loss. Our professional treatments, like root canal therapy, fillings, and crowns, can save your teeth from further damage due to infection. However, tooth extraction is the last option.
It will be necessary if the damage is already done and the infection can spread to surrounding teeth. If you have any questions regarding the treatment option, then book a consultation with us. In case the pain is too severe to handle, visit our San Antonio based dental office for emergency dental services.
