Get Treatment And Practice Prevention
If youre suffering from a tooth infection, dont wait to seek treatment. You should always contact your dentist at the first sign of a tooth infection or abscess. While you wait to see your dentist, you can treat discomfort with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Also, you should keep the infected tooth and area around it clean. Rinse with warm salt water to flush bacteria. Avoid chewing on that side if possible. Watch out for symptoms that your tooth infection is spreading.
Once you have been treated and your tooth infection is a thing of the past, take preventative measures to prevent another one from developing. Follow good oral hygiene that includes brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse. Stay up to date with your routine cleanings. The best way to keep your smile healthy and happy is through prevention. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today!
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Types Of Tooth Infections & Abscesses
Periapical abscess: An abscess a the tip of your tooths root. It can be caused by a cracked tooth or cavity and spreads from the pulp inside of your tooth
Periodontal abscess: An abscess on your gum next to a tooth, caused by an infection that spreads to the bone and supporting tissues around your teeth.
Gingival abscess: An abscess resulting in an infection in your gums.
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How Is A Dental Abscess Treated
If the dentist determines that the abscess is drainable, they will cut it open and allow the pus to drain. The dentist may also drain the abscess through the infected tooth at the start of a root canal procedure. In some cases, the abscess ruptures on its own. People who have dental abscesses are typically prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics to fight the infection.
How Long Can A Tooth Infection Go Untreated
An untreated tooth infection can spread through your body in several days, weeks or months. The time it takes depends on the person and the infection’s stage.
You should schedule a dental appointment if you have a toothache. Its best to catch an infection early. The longer you leave it, the more likely it is to be life-threatening.
Risks of not treating a tooth infection fast enough include:
- Get professional teeth cleanings and dental check-ups every 6 months
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When Is A Tooth Infection An Emergency
A dental abscess infection is always considered a dental emergency. Any visible gum swelling can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
During emergency treatment for a dental abscess, the surgeon will open up the abscess and drain it. This will relieve pressure and reduce any pain associated with the infection.
You will also receive prescription antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Know The Difference Between Sinusitis And A Sinus Communication
Root canals cant cause sinus infections, but they can cause similar symptoms if your sinus lining is punctured during treatment. If you need more information about root canals or you suspect that you may have a sinus communication and need help with treatment, dont wait. Contact McCue Dental Health now at 456-1091, or stop by our office at 10625 West North Avenue, Suite 300, Wauwatosa, WI 53226 to schedule your appointment.
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection Spreading
Tooth infections always start with a toothache. If you leave the sore and throbbing tooth untreated, it soon becomes infected. If the condition isnt treated, it spreads to other parts body. Therefore whenever you have a toothache, you must have the tooth examined by the dentist in Munster to determine whether it is infected and have it treated promptly to prevent complications later.
Medical Conditions Like Sjogren Syndrome
Sjogren syndrome, a medical condition that causes dry mouth due to decreased salivary production, is often responsible for tooth infection.
In dry mouth, the saliva in the oral cavity is significantly decreased resulting in non-flushing of plaque and other food debris.
The plaque accumulation increases resulting in increased bacterial growth leading to tooth infection or abscess.
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Pearls And Other Issues
- Dental infections originate at the tooth or its supporting structures and can spread to the surrounding tissue.
- Dental infections most commonly occur when bacteria invade the pulp and spread to surrounding tissues. Infections can also affect the gums causing gingivitis, which can later cause periodontal disease.
- More serious complaints such as fever, facial edema, trismus, dysphagia, or dysphonia can be symptoms of a more serious dental infection that has spread into deep neck spaces.
- CT with contrast can help evaluate the extent and severity of fascial space infection.
- In most cases, drainage, along with the removal of the source of infection, are the most important steps in treating dental infections.
- Serious complications from dental infections are rare. They include osteomyelitis, Ludwig angina, retropharyngeal abscess, parapharyngeal abscess, necrotizing mediastinitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, meningitis, and subdural empyema.
Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection
A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, happens when bacteria enters and infects the area surrounding a tooth.
Dental infections usually occur at the tip of a tooths root or on the gums on the side of the root .
A tooth infection can cause symptoms such as:
- Severe toothache that may also cause throbbing pain in the jaw, neck, or ear
- Sensitivity to heat or cold temperatures
- Difficulty chewing or biting
A ruptured abscess can cause a rush of foul-tasting or salty fluid inside the mouth.
Typically, when this pocket of pus ruptures, people also experience pain relief.
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Can An Infected Tooth Affect Your Heart Health
What puts you at risk for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems? For most people, the risk factors that typically come to mind are a poor diet, a lack of exercise, excess body weight, and excessive alcohol consumption. While these are all definite risk factors, most people dont realize that having an infected tooth or poor oral hygiene can also increase your chances of problems like heart attacks or heart disease. While its still not exactly known how your heart and oral health are related, theres a definite correlation.
Research points to poor dental health as a potential risk factor for heart disease. Its been shown that people with gum disease, tooth decay, tooth loss, and tooth infection have a higher incidence of cardiovascular problems like a heart attack or stroke. There are a few theories about why this happens. When you have an infection in your tooth or gums, the bacteria from the infection can enter your bloodstream and travel elsewhere in your body. This bacteria can cause inflammation in your blood vessels and blood clots. Other research suggests that its the bodys immune response to the bacteria that can potentially damage your blood vessels or heart. Evidence of oral bacteria has been found throughout the body, which means that the health of your mouth has a clear effect on your overall health.
How To Cure A Tooth Infection
If you have signs and symptoms of a tooth infection, it is important to call your dentist as soon as possible. Dentists can help in a few ways, but remember that this infection will not go away on its own- treatment is necessary.
If you notice the symptoms go away, and you are no longer in pain, this does not mean the infection is gone. An infection can eventually kill the nerves that cause pain in your tooth, meaning you wont feel it anymore. The infection is still present and can potentially spread to your body and damage the surrounding teeth and your gums.
- A dentist or endodontist can perform a root canal, which is a procedure in which the infected pulp in your teeth is removed to prevent further infection.
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How K Health Can Help
Did you know that you can get online dental prescriptions for tooth infections?
to check your symptoms using our symptom checker and text with a doctor in minutes.
K Healths board-certified, U.S.-based doctors can provide a treatment plan and, if required, a prescription to resolve your symptoms as soon as possible. Clinicians are available 24/7.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
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What Are The Symptoms Of An Abscessed Tooth
In some cases, the area around the tooth hurts, but not always. If it does, itâs usually a sharp, throbbing pain, especially when you put pressure on your tooth. It might also spread to your jaw or other parts of your face on the side thatâs affected.
You might also notice:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- A bad odor when you chew with that tooth
Sometimes an abscess causes a pimple-like bump on your gum. If you press it and liquid oozes out, itâs a sure bet you have an abscessed tooth. That liquid is pus.
If you have swelling in your face and a fever, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room. The infection may have spread to other parts of your body.
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What Causes A Tooth Abscess
Anything that creates an opening for bacteria to get into the tooth or surrounding tissues can lead to a tooth infection. Causes include:
- Severe tooth decay: A cavity, or tooth decay, is the destruction of the hard surfaces of the tooth. This occurs when bacteria break down sugars in food and drink, creating acid that attacks enamel.
- Broken, chipped or cracked teeth: Bacteria can seep into any opening in a tooth and spread to the pulp.
- Gum disease : Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria gain access to deeper tissues.
- Injury to the tooth: Trauma to a tooth can injure the inner pulp even if theres no visible crack. The injury makes it susceptible to infection.
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Increased Heart Rate And Heavy Breathing
A very important symptom not to turn a blind eye to is if you begin to notice your heart rate increasing. If your heart begins to race and you feel as if you cant get enough air, this can quickly turn into an emergency. An increased heart rate and difficulty breathing are both signs of sepsis.
Do not wait to see your dentist if these symptoms arise contact medical help immediately.
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Sinus Infections Can Be Caused By An Infected Tooth
First, its important to note that your sinuses are very close to your upper teeth. Because of this, an infected tooth can actually be the cause of a sinus infection.
If you have an infected upper tooth, the root of the tooth may be so close to the sinus lining that bacteria can spread throughout the sinus lining and into your sinuses. This is a relatively common issue in patients with serious tooth infections in their upper teeth.
Its so common that theres actually a medical name for it. This type of sinus infection is called maxillary sinusitis of endodontic origin. If you have a sinus infection after a root canal, its possible that your infected tooth was what caused the issue.
Treatment for this kind of sinus infection is the same as any other type of sinus infection. Your immune system will eventually destroy the infection, but you may need to get antibiotics from the doctor to speed up the recovery process.
Can Tooth Infection Cause Fever
A tooth infection is an infection of the tooth that can cause fever. The most common cause of a tooth infection is a bacterial infection. Tooth infections can also be caused by viruses, fungi, or other organisms. Tooth infections can occur in any tooth, but they most commonly occur in the molars and incisors. The symptoms of a tooth infection include pain, swelling, redness, and sensitivity to touch or cold. Tooth infections can also cause fever, chills, and headaches. If a tooth infection is left untreated, it can spread to the jawbone, the brain, or other parts of the body. Treatment for a tooth infection typically involves antibiotics.
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Can Not Brushing Teeth Cause Strep Throat
No, not brushing teeth does not directly lead to strep throat. Strep throat is caused due to a bacterial infection caused by Group A strep bacteria.
However, not brushing teeth can lead to several dental and general health problems. Thus, it is necessary to brush your teeth and maintain good oral hygiene.
Not All Fevers Are Emergencies
Firstly, its important to remember that not all fevers are a medical or dental emergency. If a common virus or unwelcome bacteria get inside your system, your body triggers a raise in temperature to combat it. Most fevers resolve on their own after a few days and can be brought down by over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Getting Preventive Dental Care
Preventive dental care can help you avoid emergency dental costs. It can also help save you a lot of physical pain. If you have put off your regular dental exams and cleanings because of the cost of dental care, dental insurance can help make dental care more affordable.
Brought to you by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America , New York, NY. Material discussed is meant for general illustration and/or informational purposes only and it is not to be construed as tax, legal, investment or medical advice. 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.
Links to external sites are provided for your convenience in locating related information and services. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof.
An Unnoticed Origin Of Fever: Periapical Tooth Abscess Three Case Reports And Literature Review
- 1 Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul Medipol University Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
- 2 Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Van Military Hospital, Van, Turkey.
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Esenyurt State Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
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How Can An Infected Tooth Affect Your Body
A tooth infection might appear to be harmless, but it is a matter that should always be taken seriously. If left untreated, a toothache can result in dangerous health complications. For this reason, it is crucial that you visit your dental clinic in NE Calgary. Today, we will be taking a look at some of the life-threatening effects of a toothache.