Is your tooth feeling painful or sensitive? Do you have swelling on one side of your mouth? Are you getting feverish every time your tooth is in pain? These are all signs of a growing tooth infection. And don’t wait to treat a tooth infection.
A tooth infection is serious and should be treated right away. The longer an infection goes untreated, the more likely it is to spread to the rest of your body, causing a lot of damage to your health and well-being.
The bottom line? Don’t wait to treat a tooth infection! Get in touch with your Upland dental experts before it spreads. Read on to find out more about tooth infections and why they are so detrimental to your oral health.
What is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection, also known as a tooth abscess, forms when bacteria build up inside the tooth. This bacteria infects the inside of your tooth and gums with pus, which forms an infectious pocket below the tooth’s surface. As the bacteria continue to grow, an infection starts to spread throughout the roots of your tooth.
Without getting treatment, a tooth infection can rapidly grow and reach the rest of your body, causing life-threatening conditions.
Causes of Tooth Infections
When bacteria gets to the root and inner tissue of your tooth, it causes an abscess to form. Those with gum disease are more likely to form tooth infections and may require more visits to the dentist’s office over time.
While periodontal disease is one of the most common causes of tooth infections in the U.S, there may be other contributing conditions or risk factors that can cause a tooth infection to form. For example, a lack of proper dental hygiene makes it more likely for bacteria to form below the surface of your teeth. Eating a diet that is high in sugar is also a gateway to infection. Bacteria may find a dental cavity or crack in your tooth to make their way inside.
This is why it is so important to schedule regular visits to your dentist’s office!
Symptoms of Growing Tooth Infections
Infections always cause pain, swelling, and discomfort. The longer the infection goes untreated, the more likely the symptoms are to exacerbate.
Other symptoms may include:
- Bad breath
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain that worsens when you lie down or sit up
- Radiating pain around your neck and ears
- Red and irritated gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Consistent bad taste in your mouth
- Fever and headaches
Sometimes, a tooth abscess can rupture on its own. When that happens, you will feel instant pain relief. You may also get a bad taste in your mouth from the pus draining out. Even if an abscess is ruptured on its own, it is still important to visit your dentist ASAP to eliminate any chances of the infection spreading.
Don’t Wait to Treat a Tooth Infection!
Once your tooth infection starts to spread, it is important to get it taken care of right away. Depending on the cause, location, and severity of the tooth infection, different treatment options may be suggested.
The most common and successful treatment for a tooth infection is a root canal. During this endodontic treatment, your dental specialist will deaden the tooth by removing the infected pulp inside. This can save your tooth from extraction while also preventing the spread of infection.
In some cases, the infection has already caused damage that is too severe to save your tooth. This means that a tooth extraction is necessary. While you will lose your natural tooth, you can invest in dental fillings or implants that will restore your mouth back to its proper function while giving you a boost to your oral health!
Treat Your Tooth Infection Today!
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Get in touch with our specialists and schedule a root canal in Upland today. If you are dealing with the signs and symptoms of a tooth infection, it is important that you see your dentist for treatment as quickly as you can. At My Dentist Upland, we provide the best in care and compassion. Reach out to our friendly representatives today and invest in a future of good oral health!