How Do I Know If My Tooth Infection Is Spreading
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can’t reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw and surrounding tissue or even to other areas of your body.
A Sinus Infection Or Allergies
Sinus infections can make you miserable in a whole slew of ways, including headache, stuffy nose and cough. And you can add tooth pain to the list, too.
When your sinus passages are infected, they can get blocked or filled up with fluid, Dr. Clemons explains. That can put pressure on your cheeks and teeth and make your whole face hurt.
Oh, and whats one of the primary causes of sinus infections? You guessed it: seasonal allergies. Even if your allergies dont lead to a sinus infection , they can still put similar pressure on your sinus cavities and, thus, on the rest of your face.
Cold Compress With Ice
When you have an infection such as an abscess, swelling occurs in the area. Applying ice to the area constricts the blood vessels, which reduces pain and swelling. This will not heal the abscess, but it will reduce the symptoms. For this method, apply an ice pack or similar to the area on and off for fifteen minutes multiple times a day.
Don’t Miss: Can You Get A Yeast Infection From Amoxicillin
How Long Can A Tooth Infection Go Untreated
Since you can’t get rid of a tooth infection without going to the dentist and home remedies can only help alleviate the pain, exactly how much time do you have before the tooth infection gets very bad? At most, a tooth infection can only go untreated for maybe 1-3 days.
The reason is because abscesses will cause facial swelling with each day that it goes untreated. After two to three days, the facial swelling will be incredibly painful and may need to be drained. So, at most you only have about 1-3 days for a tooth infection to be untreated.
Our dentists do not recommend to leave a tooth infection untreated for an extended period of time because the tooth abscess can cause severe facial swelling that may be life threatening. There is also the fact that it is extremely painful so why would you leave it swollen?
Signs & Symptoms Of Tooth Abscess
You should seek treatment for a tooth abscess as soon as possible to avoid the spread of this infection. Some of the warning signs that indicate youre dealing with tooth abscess include the following:
- A severe toothache or tooth pain with dull pressure, aching, and throbbing or sharp pain
- Pain with or without chewing
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- In advanced infections, swelling of the jaw
- Sensitivity of the teeth to temperature change hot or cold
- An open, draining sore in the gums that may also cause a bitter taste in the mouth
Don’t Miss: Can You Do A Root Canal On An Infected Tooth
What To Do If You Suspect You Have An Infection
As you can see, an untreated tooth abscess is no laughing matter. If you suspect you might have deadly tooth infection symptoms, call your dentist to set up a same-day emergency appointment. If you cant reach your dentist or if you cant get an appointment, you should head straight to the nearest emergency room for treatment.
What Are The Symptoms
- Throbbing pain, especially when you chew.
- Red, swollen gums.
- A bad, salty taste in your mouth.
- Swelling in your jaw or face.
- A red, swollen bump in your mouth. It may have blood or pus oozing from it.
- A tooth that is very tender or sore to the touch.
Over time as the infection spreads, the bone in your jaw may start to dissolve. When this happens, you may feel less pain, but the infection will still be there. If you lose too much bone, your tooth will become loose and may have to be removed.
If you have a severe toothache, swelling of the gums or face, or drainage of pus, call your dentist right away. You may have an abscessed tooth. If it isn’t treated, the infection could spread and become dangerous.
Also Check: Oil Of Oregano Pills For Yeast Infection
How To Get Rid Of A Tooth Abscess Without Going To The Dentist
by Pearl Modern Dentistry | Feb 28, 2021
If you have a broken, chipped, or decayed tooth, bacteria can penetrate the cracks. This leads to the growth of infections that can cause tooth abscess. If the bacteria manage to reach the tooths center, they can infect the tooth. As a result, pus can begin to accumulate in the tooth and give you a severe toothache. Early treatment for tooth infection is necessary otherwise, it can impact your gums and cause other severe oral issues.
The best treatment for a tooth abscess is going to the dentist, but many people dont like the idea of sitting in the dental chair. If youre one of those thinking about how to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist, we can help you find relief. Keep reading to explore some home remedies that can help you find relief from the pain and discomfort caused by a tooth abscess.
How To Prevent Infection
Prevention is the best treatment for infection after tooth extraction. When you get dental extraction, be sure to follow tooth extraction aftercare and practice good oral care as instructed by your dentist.
Follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure the blood clot is in place and your extraction sites are clean and recovering.
Also Check: Will Macrobid Treat Yeast Infection
How Can A Tooth Get Infected
Chips, cracks, or cavities are all ways that a healthy tooth can become infected. Additionally, certain factors may put you at greater risk for suffering from a tooth infection:
- Consuming high amounts of sugar. High sugar intake can cause cavities, one of the main ways tooth abscesses form.
- Dry mouth. Certain medications and aging cause dry mouth, which puts you at risk for infections because it increases the likelihood of tooth decay.
- Inadequate dental care. Not taking care of your teeth can have lots of negative consequences.
Alcohol: Do Not Use Alcohol
Although it is popular, it is an ineffective home remedy. People tend to soak some alcohol in the cotton swab and apply the same to the abscessed area. Alcohol may temporarily numb the pain, but it does not remove the infection. The result will be temporary relief. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that the use of alcohol as a pain killer can be extremely dangerous, as the amount of alcohol needed to get numbing effects is often very high. So better to avoid this remedy.
These are some of the remedies that can be used at home to get relief from painful symptoms of abscessed teeth. Although, if each option has its advantages, there are some disadvantages also associated. Therefore, it is better to use every option after gaining a thorough understanding and just for getting temporary relief. After which always have a visit to a nearby dentist as soon as possible.
You May Like: How Long After Being Infected With Hiv Do Symptoms Appear
What Happens In A Dental Deep Cleaning
Your dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area. They can inject it or put it on the tissue, as with lidocaine. The type of anesthetic will depend on your condition.
Dentists use a scraping tool to get under your gums to clean out bacteria. They then smooth out your teethâs roots in a process called planing to allow your gums to reattach. Some dentists use an ultrasonic tool for scraping because it can be more comfortable than the regular scraper tool.
Dentists also sometimes put antibiotic fibers into your gums to help fight bacteria. Or they may prescribe antibiotic pills or mouthwash.
Things To Know About A Broken Tooth
If you break a tooth, call your dentist right away.
If the accident occurs after office hours, still call your dentist as they may have an answering service. If its after hours and youre in a lot of pain, you can go to an emergency room or urgent care.
Recommended Reading: Can A Kidney Infection Clear Up On Its Own
What Symptoms Relate To Toothache And Swelling
Toothache can start suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain can be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go. It can also affect your head, ear and jaw.
If you have toothache, you may also have:
- swelling around your tooth and inside your mouth
- swelling of your jaw and face
- pain when chewing
- sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food
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.
Recommended Reading: Can A Computer Mouse Be Infected With Malware
Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection
The most obvious symptom of a tooth infection is pain. Intense, sharp, or shooting pain in a tooth is a good indication that there is an infection that needs to be dealt with. Some of the other common symptoms of a tooth infection are:
-
Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear
-
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
-
Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting
-
Fever not associated with flu or another illness
-
Swelling in your face, cheek, or jaw.
-
Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
-
Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures
-
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Increased Heart And Breathing Rate
Do you notice that your heart starts beating faster than normal? What about your breathing? Do you feel like youre panting to get enough air?
Both of these are indications that sepsis is beginning to set in. If this happens to you, dont wait to get in to see your dentist. You need to see a doctor right away.
You May Like: During The Acute Phase Of An Hiv Infection
Wait A Minute Isnt A Root Canal Supposed To Cure My Infected Tooth
Yes, at least that is what you are told by your well-meaning dentist. What you are not told is that the tooth you are saving by doing a root canal no longer has a blood supply or nerve. So basically you are left with a dead tooth that is cut off from the rest of your body. Blood no longer flows into your tooth so the healing components of your immune system cannot access it to heal the infection in and around it. Your tooth is cut off from your immune and lymph systems, so your body cannot fight any bacteria thats left behind. So what happens over time is that the tooth and the bone around the tooth become reinfected with bacteria that is draining from inside the tooth, and there is nothing the body can do about it. I cant tell you how long this problem will take because it is different for each situation and patient. However, what I can tell you is that once a root canal gets infected again, there is no way for it to heal. Antibiotics, essential oils, colloidal silver, lasers, ozone, whatever we are talking about wont get to the source of the problem because there is no longer any blood supply to carry these things inside the tooth where the infection is.
Treatment For A Dental Abscess
Dental abscesses are usually treated by a dentist. The dentist will drain away the pus.
If a problem with your tooth has caused the abscess, you may need root canal treatment, or the tooth may be removed. You’ll be given a local anaesthetic, so you do not feel any pain.
You may be offered painkillers to take for a few days after treatment and may also be given antibiotics.
Also Check: Can Sinus Infection Make Your Head Feel Weird
What Are The Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection Spreading To The Body
If an abscess ruptures, you may notice a sudden foul taste or even salty fluid in your mouth. You’ll probably also notice that your pain subsides and think that you are out of the woods.
Unfortunately, this isn’t necessarily true.
The rupture can be one of the first signs that the infection is beginning to spread. If it enters the bloodstream it can cause a serious condition called sepsis. This is when things get life-threatening.
If you notice the rupture, seek medical help immediately. However, the abscess won’t always rupture on its own. Or it may rupture when the problem has already become quite severe.
Thus, if you notice any of these other 5 symptoms, even without an obvious rupture, you should seek emergency medical help at once.
What Is The Best Antibiotic For A Tooth Infection
Antibiotics of the penicillin class, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are most commonly used to help treat tooth infections. An antibiotic called metronidazole may be given for some types of bacterial infections. It’s sometimes prescribed with penicillin in order to cover a larger variety of bacterial species.
Recommended Reading: Natural Antibiotics For Dental Infection
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.
How Does A Tooth Become Infected
Tooth infection, or dental caries, can occur due to bacterial infection from food debris and plaque.
The bacteria feed on sugars in the food debris and plaque and release acids as a byproduct.
The acids dissolve the tooths enamel, which is a protective layer that protects the tooth.
If left untreated, the bacteria can spread through the tooth and cause it to become discolored and eventually fall out.
Other causes of tooth infection may include injuries to the teeth due to trauma.
The trauma can break the tooth, which can result in bacteria entering the tooth and causing infection.
You May Like: How To Pull Out An Infected Tooth At Home
Periapical Abscesses: Affecting The Inside Of The Tooth
Periapical abscesses usually occur near the tip of the root of the tooth. They are more common among children than among adults. Children with poor dental hygiene are particularly at risk of periapical abscesses.
Poor dental hygiene, including inadequate brushing or flossing, can cause caries, also known as cavities, which erode the enamel and dentin, admitting bacteria to the pulp. As a result of this, the pulp becomes inflamed, and this can lead to the death of nerves in the tooth. Because dead tissue is more vulnerable to infection, this puts the tooth at high risk of an abscess.
In periapical abscesses, damage to the enamel and dentin, as in the case of later-stage cavities admits bacteria to the pulp, leading to an inflammatory condition known as pulpitis. Periapical abscesses are a common complication of severe, long-term pulpitis. They can cause swelling in the jaw, cheeks and the floor of the mouth.
When Your Tooth Is Broken
Any tooth can break, though each is more vulnerable to different injuries.
You can break your front teeth when inappropriately using them to cut or open something
Your back molars may be more susceptible to cracks from grinding your teeth or biting down on something hard. Prevent tooth injuries by always wearing a mouthguard when participating in impact sports.
Long term, your teeth are necessary for daily function and quality of life. Beyond just chewing food, teeth help your speech be clear, and each tooth is important for maintaining balanced space in the jaw.
Repairing a broken tooth is necessary for overall health and well-being.
To make the cost more manageable, many offices offer payment plans or dental loan plans. You can also contact a dental school if you have one in your area, or check with your local health department to see if they offer any low-cost dental services or clinics.
Christine Frank, DDS
You May Like: Can A Tooth Infection Make Your Face Swell
Treatments For Tooth Pain
Once you have a clearer idea of whats causing your tooth pain, you can take steps to get relief. Here are some approaches to consider:
1. If you think your tooth pain is caused by sensitivity, you should avoid acidic, hot, and cold foods and beverages. In addition, try an over-the-counter pain reliever, a gentler toothbrush, a toothpaste specifically formulated for sensitive teeth, and consider wearing a mouth guard, especially when you sleep at night. Other at-home remedies for sensitive teeth also may help.
2. If your tooth pain is caused by cavities, tartar, periodontal disease, or any other damage to your teeth, gums, jaw, or sinus area, youll need to consult a dentist. They may refer you to a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist , a periodontist , or an endodontist . Dental care can be expensive, and not all insurance plans cover it.
3. If your toothache is caused by an underlying condition such as a cold, infections, or even anxiety or stress, managing those symptoms should clear up your dental pain. For example, if youre congested, try an over-the-counter decongestant or a hot washcloth on your face to relieve the pain.
4. Alternative remedies such as CBD can help some dental pain and problems, but not others.
You May Like: How To Tell If Tooth Infection Has Spread