Ever had a throbbing tooth pain that won’t go away? At times even with medications pain relief is not achieved. These could be tooth infection symptoms that should not be ignored. This can be due to a tooth infection. So what is a tooth infection? Read through this blog to know more about its early signs, symptoms and cure. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular professional care like teeth cleaning can significantly reduce infection risk teeth cleaning cost in Mumbai.
More than one-third of the global population is reported to live with untreated dental caries (World Health Organization [WHO] Global Oral Health Status Report 2023).
A tooth infection also known as tooth abscess is the formation of pus in relation to a tooth caused by bacterial infection. The pus formation can be seen in the form of a small boil on the gums or a large facial swelling spreading. Tooth infection initially might start with just a small boil with or without any pain but if left untreated it can spread to the surrounding areas causing severe pain and in worst cases severe sepsis. If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or swelling, consulting a trusted dentist in Mumbai Andheri at the earliest can help prevent serious dental complications.
Table of Contents
What Are The Causes Of Tooth Infection?
Tooth decay /Cavity
Teeth decay or dental cavities when not treated can progress into irreversible pulpitis (bacteria infecting the tooth pulp).These bacteria then reach the apex of the tooth and cause periapical pus formation. A root canal treatment along with pus drainage would be required to totally treat this infection. Early cavity management such as tooth fillings can prevent infections tooth cavity filling cost.
Dental Trauma
Dental trauma refers to injuries to the teeth,gums or the surrounding jaw bone. In such cases of trauma, teeth might get chipped, cracked or avulsed out of its socket. Such injuries if not treated immediately, will lead to infection and thus abscess formation.
Gum Diseases
Gum disease in the form of periodontitis can also spread into the adjacent teeth causing tooth infection along with bone loss. Persistent bleeding while brushing should not be ignored as it may indicate infection bleeding gums treatment.
Wisdom Tooth
Impacted wisdom teeth tend to have severe food lodgement. This results in bacterial growth and thus causing tooth and gum infection. Removal of the impacted tooth will help in maintaining the hygiene around that area and thus prevent any future infections. If recurrent pain or swelling occurs, wisdom tooth removal is often the definitive solution wisdom tooth removal cost in Mumbai.
The presence of a toothache (40%) or abscess (30%) were the most common self-reported reasons for a dental visit resulting in endodontic treatment in a prospective cohort study of 873 adults followed for 48 months.
Early Tooth Infection Symptoms: Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
In the initial stages of tooth infection, inflammatory changes occur in and around the infected tooth region. These changes can be in the form of redness, swelling, pain, bad breath etc. If these symptoms are ignored then the infection can flare up spreading to the surrounding areas. Such advanced stage changes are very painful and take time to heal properly. Thus, tooth infections should be treated as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Nutritional deficiencies can also weaken oral immunity adequate intake of vitamins for teeth supports gum and tooth health vitamins for teeth.
Early warning signs:-
- Continuous throbbing pain in relation to the affected tooth
- Pain aggravating during night or while laying down
- Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold
- Inflammation in the form of redness and swelling in the surrounding gum areas of the affected tooth
- Pain might aggravate on biting or the tooth itself might feel a little bit higher than the other teeth
- Foul taste or bad breath due to pus discharge
Advanced signs of tooth infection:-
- Increased swelling that spreads to the surrounding facial /neck areas
- Pain radiating to head, neck and ear
- High fever due to increased infection
- Difficulty in swallowing or mouth opening
- Discoloration or darkening of the infected tooth
In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved, replacement options like dental implants may be recommended (dental implants explained).
Steps To Follow In Case Of Tooth Infection
Seek treatment immediately once a tooth infection is recognized, ideally within 24–48 hours.
Avoid self-treatment, as managing the infection without professional guidance may worsen the condition.
Consult a dentist promptly to evaluate your symptoms and begin appropriate treatment.
What to do next :-
- Avoid self-treatment
- Consult a dentist before taking any medications
- Do not wait for the symptoms to worsen before consulting a dentist
- A course of antibiotic/root canal
/ tooth extraction /periodontal treatment ( after consulting the dentist) can heal the tooth infection
Tips for prevention
2 annual checkups at the gap of 6-months can help diagnose any tooth problems that can lead to infection. Early intervention can save you from future pain and complications.
FAQs
Can a tooth infection go away on its own
No. Tooth infection if not treated will only aggravate causing complications. It needs professional treatment. Ignoring the symptoms will spread the infection.
Is tooth infection contagious?
No. Tooth infections are not contagious. But ignoring it will risk its spread to surrounding tissues.
How soon should I see a dentist for tooth pain?
An immediate dental consult is advised in case of tooth infection. Waiting for the symptoms to worsen will lead to complications and delayed healing along with increased treatment time.
