Causes Of A Tooth Infection
Most of the time, a dental abscess is a secondary condition. It usually occurs after the bacteria are able to access the dental pulp and inside the tooth, bone, and gum tissue.
These are common causes for a tooth infection:
- Dental caries
- Trauma or injury to the tooth
- Cracked, broken, or chipped tooth
- Dental treatments, such as a root canal or deep fillings
- Gum disease
Another cause for a tooth infection is when a tooth only partially comes in or erupts. This is often the case with wisdom teeth. Bacteria can get trapped between the crown of the tooth and the gum tissue, causing an infection.
You can be more prone to getting a tooth infection if you do not keep up with good oral hygiene. This puts you at a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease, which are often precursors to a tooth infection. Smokers also have twice the risk of developing a tooth abscess.
If you have a dry mouth, this can allow bacteria to build up. Saliva is also not working as well to wash it away.
A weakened immune system also puts you at a higher risk for a tooth infection.
What Happens If You Do Not Treat Your Swollen Face
If left untreated, it may affect your ability to speak and eat. It can result in mouth odor.
Having a swollen face as a result of tooth infection can make you feel very uncomfortable. It will make it very difficult for you to sleep, especially at night.
Difficulty in seeing or loss of vision can also occur if you do not treat your swollen face. Since the facial tissues are inflamed and your cheeks are all puffy, it puts pressure on your eyelids causing them to close.
What To Do If You Have A Dental Abscess
You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you have a dental abscess.
Avoid visiting a GP, as there’s little they can do to help.
You can get help from:
- your registered dentist if it’s out of hours, they should have an answerphone message with details of how to access out-of-hours dental treatment
- NHS 111 who can give you details of dental services in your area
- your local A& E if you’re having difficulty breathing or swallowing, or there’s swelling around your eye or neck
You may have to pay for emergency NHS dental treatment, depending on your circumstances.
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Do You Have A Cavity Or Tooth Infection
- 04 Mar, 2020
When your teeth hurt, it’s not fun. Eating, speaking, and just living your life can be painful. But is your tooth pain caused by a cavity or an infection? If you would like to know more about types of oral pain, you can learn more in this blog.
What Causes Cavities?
Cavities occur when acids from bacterial waste break through the tooth enamel. Once the bacteria and acids reach the dentin , decay occurs quickly. The affected tissue cannot be repaired. There more sugary foods and drinks you consume, the higher the risk of cavities. Dry mouth, heartburn, inadequate brushing, and not enough fluoride increase the risk of cavities.
What Causes Tooth Infections?
A tooth infection occurs when the pulp of the tooth becomes infected with bacteria. This can happen due to severe tooth decay if the cavity reaches the tooth’s pulp. However, other causes include trauma to the tooth or a damaged filling.
Both these situations can create tiny holes leading to the pulp. Bacteria from severe gum disease can also get into the tooth’s pulp to cause infection.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity?
Some cavities are visible, appearing as black or brown holes, pits, or stains. When you have a cavity, the tooth also becomes extremely sensitive because of the missing enamel. The pain may increase when your teeth are exposed to hot or cold food, beverages, or air. Sugary foods can also irritate the cavity, leading to pain and discomfort.
What Are the Symptoms of a Tooth Infection?
Signs That You Have A Dental Abscess
A dental abscess can cause some serious problems and even land you in the hospital. Most of the time, before this occurs, there are certain symptoms that will show up, letting you know that this condition is present. Knowing how to spot the signs will help you take action quickly, while the problem can still be fixed and before youre in excruciating pain. Call Eastport Dental in Mesa, AZ if youre experiencing any of the following signs of infection.
What Are the Signs of a Dental Abscess?
A fistula is a pimple-like knot that appears on the gum tissue. Its filled with infection. The tooth nearest the fistula is the one that is abscessed.
Most often the fistula will have a small hole that allows the infection to drain. If you have pus coming from your mouth, then you likely have a fistula somewhere.
When the pus drains from your mouth is causes a bad taste and a foul odor in your mouth.
The pain from a dental abscess shows itself in different forms. Temperature sensitivity is common, meaning cold and hot things that touch your tooth will hurt. Chewing, biting your teeth together, or even just touching your tooth could be painful. You may also experience unprovoked, sporadic pain that wakes you up at night.
If over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen or Aleve arent enough to relieve your toothache, then its likely you have a serious dental abscess.
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Why Do I Have An Infection After Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is performed to remove a tooth that has the possibility of causing long-term harm or is damaged beyond repair. If the tooth has an abscess or other sign of infection, the surgeon must remove all of the infection to prevent it from reoccurring or spreading. After your extraction is complete, they will prescribe painkillers to help with any pain. They will also, however, prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent swelling. Crucially, prescribed antibiotics will keep an infection from occurring or recurring.
Unfortunately sometimes, there is always the chance that bacteria can infect the tissue or bone around an exposed socket. Inflammation results, with prominent redness and swelling. Youre more likely to get an infection if:
- Youre not keeping up with your oral hygiene routine, including rinsing, brushing, and flossing.
- Food particles become stuck in or around the exposed socket or surgical site.
- Youre not taking antibiotics as prescribed, which increases the chances of an infection.
Infected Wisdom Tooth Symptoms
When you get an infection in a wisdom tooth or in the gum around the wisdom tooth it can be tough to know if its an infection because the symptoms of a wisdom tooth infection can also be symptoms of other problems. A good rule of thumb is to assume that if you have two or more of the following symptoms it could be an infection, and if you have three or more of these symptoms¹ see your doctor or dentist right away to see if you do have an infection and need treatment. Some of the most common infected wisdom tooth symptoms are:
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Parapharyngeal Abscesses And Ludwigs Angina
Parapharyngeal abscesses and Ludwigâs angina can both cause swelling severe enough to obstruct the airways and cause difficulty breathing. Parapharyngeal abscesses require a and needle aspiration to diagnose. Ludwigâs angina is diagnosed by, needle aspiration and X-rays.
Treatment for Ludwigâs angina, parapharyngeal abscess, osteomyelitis, cellulitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis involves drainage of any pus that is present, possibly via surgery and antibiotics and possibly intravenous antibiotics. People affected by Ludwigâs angina, if untreated, may require a tracheostomy to open their airways and thereby help them breathe if the swelling obstructs the windpipe.
When To Seek Emergency Treatment For Dental Abscesses
Ideally, a person affected by a dental abscess, or who suspects that they may have a dental abscess, should visit the dentist as soon as possible. Because it is not always possible to see a dentist in time, some people may need to be treated for their abscesses in a hospital emergency department. Medical doctors are not specifically trained to handle dental issues, but will be able to stabilize the affected person, providing antibiotics and pain relief, until they can see the dentist.
Good to know: Dentists do not form part of the regular staff in most hospital emergency departments. Treatment by a doctor at a hospital will not replace seeing a dentist. Doctors are not trained to deal with dental problems but will be able to assist with managing infection and pain.
If a person with an abscess or a suspected abscess shows any of the signs listed below, they should seek urgent medical care as soon as possible. Danger signs for tooth abscesses include:
- An abscess of more than 1cm in diameter, or which feels large
- Severe swelling or hard lumps on the gums or the face
- Bleeding on the gums or in the mouth
- Fever or a body temperature of more than 38 C / 101.4 F
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck area
If a person shows the symptoms listed below, they should immediately be seen by a hospital emergency department:
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Regular Dental Care Can Help Prevent Tooth Infections
The best way to deal with a painful dental infection is to avoid getting one in the first place. Getting regular dental cleanings and good hygiene cab help get rid of a lot of the plaque that can cause tooth decay. Regular dental cleanings also allow your hygienist to spot any potential problems like small cracks or cavities where bacteria could enter the tooth to cause an infection. Keeping up a good oral hygiene routine at home will also help lower your risk of getting a dental infection.
If the cost of routine dental care is too high for you, enrolling in dental insurance can help cover the cost.
This is not dental care advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your dentist. If you have any concerns about your dental health, please contact your dentist’s office.
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Home Treatment Of Dental Abscesses
Although essential oil of cloves can be used to manage the pain and sensitivity associated with dental abscesses, it will not cure the abscess. Abscesses will not go away on their own and cannot be treated at home. Untreated abscesses can develop secondary infections and other serious complications that are extremely hazardous to health . It is possible for an untreated abscess to become a medical emergency requiring urgent care from a doctor or dentist. It may also lead to jaw bone loss.
Only a qualified medical or dental professional is properly equipped to administer treatment for an abscess safely and effectively. It is strongly advised that people affected by abscesses, or who suspect they may have a dental abscess, seek out the advice of a dentist as soon as they can. It is not safe to try to drain an abscess at home or to leave an abscess untreated.
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How Do You Know If You Have A Tooth Infection
Are your teeth sensitive to hot and cold foods? Does it hurt to bite down when you chew? If so, youll want to schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Shelby Charter Township, MI. The longer you wait to seek emergency dental care, the more the problem will grow. Continue reading to learn if you might have an infected tooth.
Causes & Prevention Of Infected Teeth
These symptoms can strike at any time. They often come on very quickly and intensely. The best way to ensure that you dont suffer from a tooth infection is prevention. Prevention includes routine dental care like brushing, flossing, and cleanings.
Sugary diets and poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities. Sports, accidents, and chewing on hard items like ice or popcorn kernels can also cause cracks in your teeth. These situations allow bacteria to grow and ultimately cause the infection.
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Suspect An Infection We Can Help
An infected tooth is a serious oral health issue, and requires immediate attention. If left untreated, an infected tooth may have to be removed entirely. These infections can also spread to other areas of the head and neck causing serious complications if not tended to quickly. If you suspect that you have an infected tooth, it is important to get help from the team at ONE ENDO. Come see us today, and get the help you need to preserve your tooth and restore your oral health.
What Can I Do For An Infected Tooth
First, youll need to schedule an appointment with our emergency dentist in Shelby Charter Township, MI. Our dentist is available to answer any questions you might have and can diagnose you properly if your tooth is infected.
The first and most important step you can take is going to your dentist as soon as possible. In the time before you see your dentist you can:
- Brush your teeth after every meal
- Drink sage & chamomile tea
- Swish saltwater 2 to 3 times a day
- Apply an ice pack
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Do You Have A Tooth Infection
Are you currently suffering from a tooth infection? Although a toothache might not seem like a serious problem at first, persisting tooth pain and tenderness that eventually leads to any of these other symptoms listed above should be treated as soon as possible.
When an infected tooth goes without treatment, your entire body can fall ill, and you could end up losing your entire tooth as well. To prevent this from happening, be sure to keep this guide handy and know the signs of a tooth infection.
Are you interested in more posts on health and fitness topics? Be sure to visit here on a regular basis for more!
Key Takeaway From This Article
It is a normal occurrence to have a swollen face from a tooth infection. Some of the home remedies that can be used to get rid of a swollen face from a tooth infection include using saltwater, garlic, baking soda, ice pack, and hydrogen peroxide.
If treatment for such a tooth infection is delayed it may deteriorate into a more serious condition and some cases require the attention of a dental specialist.
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Ways To Prevent Tooth Infection
If you have noticed the signs and symptoms of tooth infections, keep in mind that it requires immediate medical attention. It would be best to see your dentist as soon as possible. Meanwhile, let me share with you some tips to prevent tooth abscesses. These are entirely basics.
Overall, practicing good oral hygiene and never missing out on a single dental appointment allows us to be free from serious oral problems. Your tooth pain may be signifying infections already.
Treating A Tooth Infection In Vienna Va
Your dentist will need to examine you in his or her office to determine how to treat your infected tooth. If the pulp inside your tooth has become infected, a root canal will be necessary.
Your dentist will drill into your tooth and remove the infected area. Once the infection has been removed, the area will be cleaned and the dentist will place a crown over the tooth to protect it from further damage. You will likely be prescribed antibiotics to help you fight the infection as well.
If you need treatment for a tooth infection or tooth abscess, reach out to Dr. Ardalan Sanati or Dr. Shohreh Shahram at Tysons Dentistry. They are both skilled dentists who are dedicated to keeping your teeth healthy in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
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Symptoms Of A Dental Abscess
Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include:
- an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
- pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum
- pain that’s worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep
- redness and swelling in your face
- a tender, discoloured or loose tooth
- shiny, red and swollen gums
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature and feel generally unwell.
In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
What Causes A Tooth Infection
The Canadian Dental Association says that most tooth infections are a result of untreated decay or cracked teeth. In either circumstance, when bacteria penetrates through your tooths enamel, it can cause an abscess. Tooth infections can also be a result of gum infection, as seen in some cases where gum diseases are present. If you experience bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth, it may be a sign that there is an underlying dental problem.
You may be at higher risk for tooth infections if you consume a high-sugar diet. Sugary foods create a plaque buildup that produces an acidity that will eventually eat away at the enamel on your teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities or abscesses.
Tip: If youre suffering from pain or have an infection, see your dentist sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more complicated the infection will get.
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