Tooth Infection
Tooth Infection
Healthy teeth are essential to a beautiful smile and crucial for several essential functions. Your tongue and teeth work together to form sounds so you can communicate. Your teeth grind food so that it’s safe to eat. Your teeth even play a role in swallowing; severe tooth decay can prevent you from swallowing safely.
You may not realize you have a tooth infection until symptoms occur. If you feel pain while chewing or have facial swelling, it could mean you have an infected tooth. Tooth infections are serious. An infection can spread, and without treatment, it could cause life-threatening health issues. If you suspect you have an infected tooth, you should make an appointment with your Houston dentist today.
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What Is A Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection occurs when bacteria get inside the tooth. The bacteria causes an infection, which can cause other severe oral health issues. Untreated tooth infections may cause dental abscesses. Periapical abscesses affect your tooth’s root, while periodontal abscesses occur in the gums.
Causes
Tooth decay causes cavities, which can cause tooth infections. Damage to your tooth’s enamel can lead to a crack or hole developing over time, giving bacteria a way into your tooth. Other causes of tooth infections include the following:
- Accidents that chip, crack, or break a tooth
- Dental procedures, including dental crowns, fillings, and root canal treatment
- Periodontal (gum) disease
Tooth infections can cause gum disease if an infection in the tooth spreads to the gums. However, gum disease can also spread from the gums to the tooth, causing a tooth infection.
Symptoms
It’s possible for you to have an infected tooth without realizing it until symptoms appear. Common symptoms include the following:
- Bad odor
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Discomfort or pain when chewing or biting
- Discomfort or pain from extreme temperatures (hot or cold)
- Fever
- Pain in your jaw, ear, or neck
- Severe toothache
- Swelling in your cheeks, face, lymph nodes, or neck
Regular checkups are an effective way for your dentist to identify a tooth infection before symptoms appear. However, if you develop symptoms of an infected tooth, you should see your dentist immediately.
Treatment Options
Once you have a tooth infection, you need to see your dentist for effective treatment. Infections will not heal without treatment. Your dentist may use antibiotics to kill the bacteria.
Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need additional treatment. If you have an abscess, your dentist may need to drain the pus. A root canal treatment may be necessary if you have infected tooth pulp.
If the infection has progressed and it’s not possible to save the tooth, your dentist may perform a tooth extraction. After a tooth extraction, you may get dentures or a dental bridge or implant to replace the missing tooth.
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Preventing Tooth Infections
Excellent oral hygiene habits can prevent tooth infections. Follow the standard oral health advice to help prevent infections:
- Brush your teeth: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush twice daily.
- Floss: Flossing effectively removes debris between your teeth, preventing plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause gum disease.
- Replace your toothbrush: You should replace your toothbrush every 90 to 120 days.
- Reduce consumption of sugar and acidic drinks: Consuming a healthy diet and avoiding soda and other foods and beverages contributing to tooth decay is an effective way to protect your teeth.
- Use fluoride: Drink water that contains fluoride and use toothpaste that contains fluoride.
- Use mouth rinse: Antiseptic mouth rinse, and fluoride mouth rinse are effective options to protect your teeth.
URBN Dental Can Treat Your Tooth Infection
You must seek treatment for an infected tooth, or the infection will spread. URBN Dental’s Houston dental offices are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, BPA- and toxin-free dental appliances, and highly trained teams of caring dental professionals who will provide the personalized care you need for your tooth infection. We also have a 24-hour dentist in Houston available to provide emergency care.
Faq
What Should You Do If A Tooth Is Infected?
You should see your dentist immediately. Prompt treatment improves your chances of saving your tooth and avoiding root canal treatment.
How Long Until A Tooth Infection Can Kill You?
Yes, a tooth infection can kill you. But how long until that can happen? The time frame varies. A tooth infection may begin in the soft tissue inside your tooth, but it can affect more than your tooth and gums. Over time, the infection can spread throughout your body, causing sepsis or other severe health issues, such as a brain abscess or necrotizing fasciitis. In some cases, it’s possible for a tooth infection to kill within months. However, death from tooth infections is rare today, thanks to effective oral hygiene practices and access to expert dental care.
Do You Need To See A Dentist For An Infected Tooth?
You must see a dentist for safe, effective treatment to stop a tooth infection. Your URBN Dental dentist has the expertise to assess the infection, determine the extent of the damage, and provide effective treatment.
What Hours Is URBN Dental Open?
URBN Dental offers regular office hours Monday through Saturday. We’re open during the following hours:
- Monday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Are There Appointments Available At Urbn Dental?
URBN Dental understands emergencies arise, and we keep some appointment slots open daily for walk-in patients. We also have a dentist on call around the clock so you can access emergency dental care.
Sources:
Cavities and tooth decay. (2023).
Dysphagia Treatment That May Ease Swallowing. (2023).
Periodontal (Gum) Disease. (2024).
Seladi, J. (2021). Is It Possible to Die from a Tooth Infection?