Tooth Infections: Everything You Need to Know
February 9th is National Toothache Day. Due to this holiday, our dental experts are sharing how to handle tooth infections. At Gentle Dental Group, we believe that education is the best way to optimize your oral health. Today on the blog, our team wanted to cover everything you need to know about tooth infections so that you can prevent them!
Of course, tooth infections are no fun. They cause a significant amount of pain and require professional care to prevent serious complications. In honor of this holiday, our Bethlehem GA dentistry team answers the most frequently asked questions about tooth infections.
What is a tooth infection?
Let’s start with the basics. What is a tooth infection? A tooth infection occurs when the bacteria enter the tooth and cause inflammation. These infections may result in abscesses that put you at risk of further complications.
What are the signs of an infection with a tooth?
Pain is the most noticeable sign of an infection in your tooth. This pain is typically severe and occurs as a throbbing sensation that can spread to areas nearby, such as your ear or jawbone. You may have other symptoms, too. Dr. Uyen Hoang, the best dentist in Bethlehem GA, shares that signs of these infections include fever, increased sensitivity to heat and cold, facial swelling, and uncomfortable pressure when you chew or bite.
What causes the infection of the tooth?
Tooth infections occur when bacteria can get inside your tooth. This can happen if you have gum disease, tooth decay, or other dental problems of not brushing and flossing properly. We asked our friends over at Kissing Camels Family Dentistry, Colorado Springs dentistry explains that there are tons of causes. Thus, these include cracking or chips in the teeth that allow bacteria to enter.
Are there risk factors?
Your risk of developing a tooth infection is higher if you do not have a regular dental cleaning and if you do not regularly brush and floss your teeth. Other risk factors for dental infections include eating foods that are high in sugar, which increases your chance of having tooth decay and a low amount of saliva in your mouth.
How do you know if your tooth infection has spread?
A tooth infection may have spread if you have pain in other parts of your body along with fever and facial swelling. You may also have difficulty swallowing or breathing when the infection spreads. Keep in mind that this will require emergency care.
What is a Tooth Infection Complication?
Tooth complications include the risk of developing sepsis. It could spread to many other parts of your body. Sepsis can occur if you have a tooth infection that does not drain and is not treated.
What is the Best Tooth Infection Antibiotic?
This depends on how severe a tooth infection is and on other factors. Our Loganville dentist office dentist may prescribe the most effective antibiotic for your tooth infection on the basis of these factors.
Can an infected tooth have an impact on your overall health?
The short answer is yes. The infected tooth may end up affecting your body if the bacteria and inflammation spread to other areas. Without treatment, the infection can turn into sepsis, which requires immediate care in the emergency room.
How do I prevent a tooth infection from occurring?
There are many ways you can reduce your risk of developing a tooth infection. In addition to regularly and properly brushing and flossing, your dentist should also clean your teeth twice a year. Our dentist 30620 suggests preventing infections by replacing your toothbrush every few months, drinking fluoridated water, and eating a healthy diet low in sugar.
If you need to be treated for a tooth infection, make an appointment today or call our office today. We offer 24-hour emergency dentistry in Bethlehem. At Gentle Dental Group, our team is committed to providing high-quality care for all of your dental needs.