What Causes a Tooth Infection?

Your teeth are filled with nerves, so when a toothache starts, it can cause a great deal of pain. When this discomfort begins, there is probably an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Often, a tooth infection may be the reason behind your distress. If you have a tooth infection, your mouth may be sore or sensitive to temperatures or pressure. To avoid these issues, it is important to uncover the causes of an infection.

What are the Signs of a Tooth Infection?

The most common sign of a tooth infection is a throbbing pain. You may also experience redness, swelling, or fever. Another symptom of an infected tooth is having a bad taste in your mouth or constant halitosis (bad breath) that will not go away with proper oral care. Sometimes, you may have a broken tooth. Other times, you may have an infection with few symptoms. If you avoid treatment, a problem that may be easily solved could turn into a much larger one. If untreated, a severe infection may develop and spread to your jaw or other parts of your mouth. If you suspect a tooth infection and are suffering from a high fever or you have trouble breathing, you should seek medical attention immediately.

What Causes a Tooth Infection?

The American Dental Association says that a tooth infection often sets in if a tooth has become cracked or decayed. As bacteria penetrates the surface of a tooth, it can affect the nerves that lie in the pulp. As this occurs, an abscess becomes present. An abscess requires immediate attention. If you wait, the problem will become much worse. It is possible for any tooth in your mouth can develop an abscess. Each tooth contains tissue or pulp, that may become infected. If an infection is ignored and spreads, oral surgery may be required to treat the condition.

tooth infection

How Do You Treat a Tooth Infection?

Before it can be fixed, the infection in the tooth needs to be cleaned out. Most times, your dentist will perform a root canal. During this procedure, the dentist will drill through the infected tooth and clean the canal with an antibacterial material. After the procedure, a crown will be placed for protection over the tooth. You may be prescribed Antibiotics as well.

How Do You Prevent a Tooth Infection?

Since no one wants to deal with the pain and complications of a tooth infection, you should understand the best way to prevent problems from starting. Although it is not entirely possible to avoid breaking a tooth, you should stay away from hard candy and other foods that cause strain while you bite. The best way to prevent an infection is by practicing a solid oral health routine. This will help to keep cracks and decay to a minimum. You should brush twice a day and floss so that the debris cannot build between your teeth. It is also important to schedule semi-annual dental hygiene appointments. During these visits, your dentist or periodontist will examine your teeth and address small issues before they become extreme.

If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, contact your dentist or periodontist immediately. At Stoner Periodontic Associates, we provide a comfortable environment and pay attention to patients’ complete oral health. When problems arise, we address them quickly so that a person’s smile is preserved. For an appointment, contact our office today.