Dr. Elizabeth Duling is a general dentist in Owen’s Cross Roads, AL. She has experience treating patients with tooth pain and discomfort. Tooth infections are among the most common dental concerns we treat at our office. Our local dentist offers several treatment options to help get rid of the infection and restore oral health.
Tooth decay is a highly damaging dental problem. At first, a dental infection can begin with occasional tooth pain. However, a tooth infection can break down your natural teeth over time. Tooth decay creates holes in the teeth, wears down the teeth, and can ultimately lead to permanent tooth loss.
How Do Teeth Get Infected?
A tooth infection happens when bacteria invade the inner part of a tooth, causing pain and discomfort. The inside of a tooth contains soft tissue called pulp, which has nerves and blood vessels. When this area becomes infected, it can lead to many problems, including pain, swelling, and even needing a root canal or tooth extraction. Understanding how a tooth gets infected can help you prevent it and keep your teeth healthy.
1. Cavities and Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of tooth infection is cavities. Cavities, or tooth decay, occur when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that eat away at the tooth’s enamel, the hard outer layer. Over time, if the cavity is not treated, it can grow larger and deeper. The bacteria can then make their way into the tooth’s inner layers, including the dentin and pulp. Once bacteria reach the pulp, the tooth can become infected, leading to intense pain and discomfort.
2. Cracks or Chips in the Tooth
Cracks or chips in a tooth can also lead to an infection. Even small cracks or chips can provide an entry point for bacteria to enter the tooth. These cracks may be caused by injury, chewing on hard objects, or grinding your teeth. Once bacteria slip through the crack and reach the tooth’s inner layers, they can multiply and cause an infection.
3. Gum Disease
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is another factor that can lead to tooth infections. Gum disease starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and gums. In its early stages, it may cause your gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily, a condition known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gum disease can advance to periodontitis, where the infection spreads to the supporting tissues and bones around the tooth. This can create pockets of bacteria around the tooth root, eventually leading to an infection of the tooth itself.
4. Previous Dental Work
Previous dental procedures, such as fillings or crowns, can sometimes lead to tooth infections if not properly maintained. For example, if a filling becomes loose or cracked, it can leave an opening for bacteria to enter the tooth. Similarly, bacteria can sneak underneath a crown and infect the tooth if it is not sealed properly. Regular dental check-ups can help identify and fix these issues before they become serious.
5. Trauma to the Tooth
Any trauma or injury to a tooth, such as a blow to the mouth, can damage the pulp and lead to infection. Even if the tooth appears fine outside, the internal damage may allow bacteria to invade the pulp and cause an infection. It’s important to seek dental care after any injury to your teeth, even if the damage seems minor.
How Do I Know I Have a Tooth Infection?
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a tooth infection early on can help you seek timely treatment and avoid more severe issues.
Severe Tooth Pain
One of the most noticeable signs of a tooth infection is persistent, throbbing pain. This pain may start mild but can become severe as the infection worsens. The pain is often constant and may radiate to other areas, such as the jaw, ear, or neck. You may also notice that the pain worsens when you bite or chew, as the pressure aggravates the infected tooth.
Swelling of the Face or Jaw
Swelling around the infected tooth is a common symptom of an abscess. This swelling can extend to the surrounding areas of the face, jaw, or neck. In some cases, the swelling may be accompanied by a visible lump or bump on the gums. This is often a sign that the infection has spread from the tooth to the surrounding tissues.
Fever
A fever is the body’s natural response to infection. If you develop a fever and other symptoms like tooth pain or swelling, it could indicate your body is fighting off a dental infection. Fever is a sign that the infection has become more serious, and it’s essential to seek medical attention to prevent it from spreading further.
Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks can be an early warning sign of a tooth infection. When the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected, the nerves are exposed, making the tooth more sensitive to temperature changes. This sensitivity may feel like a sharp, sudden pain when you consume hot coffee, cold drinks, or even ice cream.
Bitter Taste in the Mouth or Foul Smell
An infection in a tooth can sometimes cause a bitter taste in your mouth or bad breath that doesn’t go away, even after brushing. This happens because pus may be draining from the infected tooth or surrounding tissues, leaving an unpleasant taste and odor behind. If you notice this symptom along with pain or swelling, seeing a dentist promptly is important.
Red or Swollen Gums
Infected teeth can cause the gums around them to become red, swollen, and tender to the touch. You might notice the gum tissue looking inflamed or puffy near the affected tooth. Sometimes, a small bump or pimple, known as a fistula, may form on the gums. This bump can sometimes leak pus, indicating an infection.
Difficulty Opening the Mouth or Swallowing
If the infection spreads to the jaw or throat, it can make it difficult to open your mouth fully or swallow. This serious symptom requires immediate attention, as it could indicate that the infection is spreading to other parts of your body. Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing may be accompanied by swelling in the throat or jaw area.
Fatigue or General Malaise
Feeling tired or unwell, known as malaise, can be another sign that your body is fighting off an infection. If a tooth infection has spread, you might experience fatigue or a general sense of feeling unwell in addition to more specific symptoms like pain, swelling, or fever.
What is a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that can form if you develop a tooth infection. This pocket forms on the outside of the tooth, typically at the tooth roots or in the gums. Signs that you have a tooth abscess include fever, severe tooth pain, and swelling in your face or neck.
An abscess can spread to the sinuses and other areas of the face. If the pocket of pus bursts, it feels like a rush of salty fluid in your mouth. While this can relieve your pain, it doesn’t mean you don’t have an infection. You still need professional dental treatment.
We can drain a dental abscess in our office by making a small incision. If needed, we can also provide a root canal or extraction. If the abscess bursts, we can still drain it. We will also recommend warm water rinses to clean the mouth.
When Should I Visit My Dentist?
If you experience symptoms of a dental infection, call our dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Duling considers a tooth infection a dental emergency and will try to see you as soon as possible. Ideally, we would like to treat you before the infection gets serious. A tooth infection must be treated and will rarely get better. Without treatment, you risk the infection spreading to other parts of your body and causing serious harm, even death.
If you are in extreme pain, have a fever, or have issues swallowing or breathing, we encourage you to go to an emergency room. This may indicate that your infection has spread and you will need medical help immediately. We recommend visiting a hospital when you cannot reach our office and have a dental emergency.
Treatment for a Tooth Infection in Owens Cross Roads, AL
The type of treatment you need will depend on the severity of your tooth function. Dr. Duling will examine your tooth to determine the best course of action. You may require antibiotics to recover from the infection entirely. Antibiotics help fight harmful bacteria after professional treatment in our office.
Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure is the best treatment to eliminate the infection and save the natural tooth. Our dentist will drill a small hole in the tooth and remove all the infected tissue. She will also drain the abscess. Then, Dr. Duling will clean out the tooth chamber and fill the root canal and chamber.
Dr. Duling often suggests a dental crown to protect and strengthen the tooth. Crowns are tooth-colored caps that fully cover single teeth.
Tooth Extractions
We make every effort to preserve your natural tooth. However, a dentist may need to remove it in severe cases. Tooth extraction is necessary when you have a severe infection, and our dentist feels she cannot save the tooth. Dr. Duling may recommend a dental extraction if not enough of your tooth structure is left.
If you have an infected tooth, Dr. Duling will remove it. She can also drain an abscess if needed. Then, she will thoroughly clean the area and discuss your options for replacing the tooth.
Dental implants are the premier tooth replacement for one or more missing teeth. If we remove one tooth, we will recommend a single crown-capped implant. If you have consecutive missing teeth, we may recommend a bridge. Dentures secured by dental implants can also restore full arches of missing teeth.
Tooth Infection FAQs
Tooth infections can get serious very quickly. They’re never something you should ignore. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Will a tooth infection go away on its own?
No, a tooth infection can’t heal naturally. This is why you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. The longer you have the infection, the more likely the infection is to spread to other parts of your body. You’re also more likely to face complications that’ll cause you to lose your tooth completely.
Should I still brush my teeth with a tooth infection?
Yes, you should still perform your oral healthcare routine. However, you must exercise caution when brushing and flossing around the infected tooth. Brushing or flossing too hard can cause more pain and further irritate the area. You want to ensure you aren’t gathering further oral health problems throughout the rest of your smile.
What should you avoid with a tooth infection?
Avoid drinks that are either very hot or very cold. They increase your pain, as the infected tooth is susceptible to drastic temperature changes. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the side of the mouth with the infection. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoid flossing directly around the infected area.
What foods should I avoid if I have a tooth infection?
You can eat and drink if you have a tooth infection, but you need to be careful about what you choose. Certain foods can make the pain worse or slow down your healing.
Candy, cookies, and soda can feed bacteria in your mouth and make the infection worse. Nuts, popcorn, or hard candy might hurt your infected tooth or break it further. Also, caramel and gummy snacks can stick to your tooth and make cleaning harder. Avoid extremely hot or cold foods because they can cause sensitivity and pain.
Do health conditions increase my risk of tooth infection?
Yes, certain health conditions can increase your risk of getting a tooth infection. People with diabetes may have a higher risk of tooth infections because high blood sugar can weaken the immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight off infections.
Heart disease and some heart treatments can make infections in the mouth more dangerous. Bacteria from a tooth infection can travel to the heart, which is why you must take care of your teeth if you have heart disease.
If you have a weakened immune system, your body might not be able to fight infections. Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or certain medications can cause dry mouth. This reduces the saliva needed to wash away food particles and bacteria. Without enough saliva, your teeth are more likely to get cavities and infections.
Can you get sepsis from a tooth infection?
Yes, a tooth infection can make you septic. If you let the infection go for weeks or months, the bacteria can spread throughout your bloodstream to other parts of your body. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can cause other serious health problems.
How should I sleep with an infected tooth?
Tooth pain can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. When you sleep, avoid sleeping on the side with the infected tooth, though this can be hard to do if it’s the side you normally sleep on. It’s beneficial to sleep on your side, otherwise. You should also elevate your upper body to reduce the blood flow to the affected area and reduce the pressure and pain in your mouth.
How can I calm down my infected tooth?
Take over-the-counter pain relievers until we can see you in the office. A cold compress also helps with inflammation and pain. Hold the cold compress to the impacted area in 15-minute increments. The cold helps to soothe the inflamed area.
Call Today to Book Your Appointment
Tooth pain is not normal. If you think you are suffering from a tooth infection in Owen’s Cross Roads, AL, call our dental office at 256.202.4186. We will do our best to get you in as soon as possible. Our office welcomes you to ask questions about your symptoms and treatment options.