People can be irresponsible sometimes when it comes to their dental health. For instance, ignoring dental visits or not taking care of your teeth can lead to severe problems in the future, including tooth infections. Therefore, understanding the signs of a tooth infection that need immediate attention from your dentist is crucial.
Tooth Infection: Types and Signs
Untreated cavities, injuries, or old dental work can cause tooth infections.
If you receive treatment on time, you can relieve pain and prevent severe dental problems. However, sometimes the situation can worsen, potentially resulting in tooth loss.
Consequently, don’t let this go that far. Seek dental advice today and make regular checkups a priority.
Moreover, gum disease or gum infection can also lead to a tooth infection.
Types of Tooth Infection
Although many types of tooth infections exist, we will discuss some common ones:
Gingivitis
The buildup of plaque on the teeth causes the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. This buildup can produce toxins that irritate the gums, resulting in red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Periodontal Disease
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis. This advanced stage damages the bone supporting your teeth and gum tissue, leading to tooth loss. If you ignore periodontal disease, the infection can spread and target other parts of your body.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is an extremely painful tooth infection. It forms a pocket of pus in different parts of a tooth. Specifically, a bacterial infection that enters the nerve of the tooth through a cavity or gum disease can cause an abscess. Severe toothaches, fever, and sensitivity to hot and cold are signs of a tooth abscess.
Dental Caries
Dental caries, or tooth decay, represents a common tooth infection. When bacteria in your mouth produce acid, it can damage the enamel on your teeth. If you receive treatment at an early stage, it can be reversed; however, if left untreated, tooth loss may occur.
Signs of Tooth Infection: Immediate Dentist Attention Required
“You may notice some signs and can ignore them.” However, this approach does not resolve problems.
Some signs indicate that you require immediate attention from a dentist. Therefore, take a look at these signs and act promptly:
- Fever
“Can a tooth infection cause a fever?” Yes, a tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body. When it does, your immune system can react with a fever. In fact, a fever accompanied by chills and sweating may indicate that your infection has reached a severe stage. Your high temperature signals that your immune system is fighting the infection and needs specialized attention before the situation worsens. - Lymph Node Swelling
The infection spreads and causes lymph nodes in the neck and jaw area to swell. Consequently, the area becomes swollen and tender.
In your body’s immune response, lymph nodes play an important role, becoming enlarged as they work to fight infections. Therefore, if the infection spreads, you need to address it.
- Headaches
As the infection grows, it can affect surrounding tissues, including the sinuses and bones of the skull. You might experience headaches, migraines, and dizziness, along with a sense of heaviness and pressure. - Rapid Heart Rate
In severe cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure. Thus, seek emergency medical care if you notice these signs.
Why Should I Visit for Regular Dental Checkups?
The importance of dental checkups cannot be overstated. Here are several reasons:
- Dentists can detect signs of problems and treat them in their early stages, preventing serious issues.
- Furthermore, professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar buildup, which, if left untreated, can cause gum disease and serious infection.
- Additionally, the dentist can check for swelling, lumps, or other complications.
- You’ll receive expert advice from your dentist on maintaining your oral hygiene.
- Early detection can help you avoid expensive dental treatments.
- Lastly, some issues may not be visible to the naked eye, but X-rays can reveal them.
If, however, you want to undergo expensive, hectic, and painful procedures, then that is your choice. On the other hand, if you want to avoid them, prioritize regular dental checkups.
Conclusion
Many people take their dental health for granted and later regret it. Therefore, do not let this happen to you. Your beautiful smile is your identity; don’t let a tooth infection steal it away. Pay attention to the signs mentioned above.
Visit the right dentist and get treated on time. You can search for “dental care near me” and start your journey to healthy oral hygiene today.
