Dealing with a persistent toothache? It might be more than your average cavity.
An infection that’s left untreated can spread throughout the body and lead to further health complications. It’s best to be proactive when it comes to tooth pain. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances are of preventing a lost tooth.
Pay attention to these signs, which may indicate that you have a tooth infection:
Pain & Sensitivity
Has one of your teeth been bothering you lately? A toothache rarely clears up on its own. Throbbing pain should not be ignored.
If you experience discomfort when you chew or apply pressure to the tooth, take note of it. Sensitivity is another sign of a dental issue. If you find yourself wincing whenever you consume hot or cold foods, it’s probably time to call the dentist.
The Tooth is Damaged
A cavity is the first sign of a tooth infection. The hole in your tooth allows bacteria to enter past the enamel and dentin. It reaches the pulp chamber and damages those tissues. This results in an abscess, which is a packet of pus. You may develop pimples on the gumline if you have an abscess.
If the tooth has a visible hole, crack, or discolouration, it’s more likely to become infected. Bacteria have an easy entry point to the roots of your teeth and gum tissue in places where the tooth is decayed.
Bad Breath
Is there a strange odour in your mouth, even after you brush your teeth? An infection could be to blame. You might also notice a bitter taste in your mouth due to the abscess and pus. Brushing your teeth will remove plaque, but only dental treatment can get rid of the infection.
Numbness
Has your toothache suddenly disappeared? That might not be a good sign.
If the infection reaches the nerves of the teeth, it could end up killing the tissues. A toothache that suddenly goes away is a sign of nerve damage due to an infection. We recommend scheduling dental treatment before the tooth requires an extraction.
Swelling
When you have an infection, the gum tissue around the tooth may appear inflamed or red. The swelling may spread to your cheeks, tongue, or throat, which could interfere with your ability to swallow or breathe. Ibuprofen can provide temporary relief while you wait for dental treatment.
Feeling Unwell
A tooth infection mimics the symptoms of other infections in the body. You may experience side effects like:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing
An infected tooth can be painful and costly. It can affect other parts of the body if it isn’t treated promptly. What can you do to prevent this from happening?
Call Your Dentist ASAP
Regular dental visits allow you to identify issues before they cause more serious problems. A tooth with a deep cavity is more prone to developing an infection; you might need more than a filling to save it.
With a root canal in Winnipeg, you can repair damage and restore the functionality of your tooth. The combination of root canal treatment and antibiotics can effectively eliminate an infection. Give us a call at EK Dental today, and we’ll set up an appointment for you.