Tooth Infection Symptoms
Picture of Reviewed By:  <a href="/blog/author/sofia-vaqar/" style="color:#5E5EEE">Sofia Vaqar</a>
Reviewed By: Sofia Vaqar

Experienced Dentist at :  LiT Dental

Tooth Infection Symptoms: Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Something is going on with your teeth, they are attempting to make a statement, however when the infection begins, they start to make a noise which is hard to hear. A tooth infection is not something one can brush off and then wait hoping that it will pass. The initial, minor discomfort may slowly turn into a severe health condition that will involve more than your mouth. The problematic fact is that tooth infection frequently begins in a subtle manner, and the symptoms can be easily explained by the natural sensitivity of teeth or some slight discomfort. Being informed about what to watch out for, when to take action can help to prevent risk to your oral health and your health in general. We will go through the most common symptoms of tooth infection, starting with the first indications of it up to the symptoms that an expert must attend to.

Which are the warning signs of a tooth infection that you simply cannot overlook at the very beginning?

Early signs of tooth infection are the symptoms of alertness of your body that something requires your attention before it becomes worse. The symptoms of a tooth abscess tend to develop over time – a throbbing pain, a strange pain, or slightly swollen, which does not occur independently. These initial symptoms are confused with normal tooth sensitivity by many individuals and this gives the infection time to move on. Early detection of an infection presents the dental professional with the best chance to deal with it prior to its transmission. When you observe such a mix of these alert symptoms lasting longer than a day or two, it is pivotal to engage in professional dental assessment as opposed to discretionary choices.

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis in the early stages.

  • Constant pain in the tooth, which does not heal, persistent or throbbing.
  • Sensitive to hot and cold – Tooth sharp pain caused by change of temperature.
  • Pressure sensitivity – pain on biting / chewing.
  • Tenderness of the gums – the soreness or swelling of the gums around a certain tooth.
  • Bad taste in mouth — bad taste which could represent pus around the tooth.
  • Mild swelling of the gums – initial inflammation of the tooth in question.
  • Tooth discoloration – Tooth which looks darker than surrounding teeth.

What is the difference between normal tooth pain and an infection?

Normal sensitivity of teeth is normally a one time affair – it spurts a moment when stimulated by hot or sweet foods after which it stops within a short time. The same can not be said about infection-related pain. The effects of tooth abscesses have a long lasting throbbing pain that persists despite any incitant. An infection causes the tooth to become sensitive to both hot and cold, which does not disappear immediately after removing the cause of temperature, but rather lingers. The infection pain usually causes people to be awakened at night and not responding to the use of over-the-counter pain medication. Whenever your tooth pain is persistent, progressing, and/or accompanied by swelling, the trend is a strong indication of infection that should be evaluated by a professional instead of the normal sensitivity which occurs intermittently and is predictable.

What are the possible physical symptoms of the worsening of a tooth infection?

The more the tooth infection goes untreated, the more the symptoms will be apparent and alarming. The inflammation of the surrounding affected tooth, jaw or face is more swollen as the body attacks the bacteria infection which is growing. Pus in the regions of the teeth might be visible – even looking like a pimple on the gum a dental abscess. The process of fever caused by tooth infection starts when there is multiplication of bacteria, and your immune system is overly aggressive about it. The stiffness of the jaw, inability to fully open your mouth, and swelling of the face are the symptoms that prove that the infection has spread out of the first tooth location and needs immediate professional help.

Symptoms of Infection being transmitted.

  • Swelling at the face visible- Can be seen puffiness beyond the gum region.
  • Tooth pus– bump of discharge or abscess on gum tissue.
  • Tooth infection fever- increase in body temperature which shows a systemic reaction.
  • Tightness of the jaw muscles – cannot open the mouth as usual.
  • Filled lymph nodes – painful masses along the jaw or neck.
  • Worsening pain -pain is increasing even when the person takes over the counter medicine.
  • Swallowing problems – difficulty with throat or neck swelling.

Will a tooth infection have other than mouth based symptoms?

Yes, and this is where tooth infections turn into seriously dangerous grounds. The bacteria in an untreated case of a dental abscess may diffuse into the surrounding tissues, jawbone, neck, and in the worst-case scenario, to the bloodstream resulting in a life-threatening condition known as sepsis. Painful swelling in the mouth leading to fever up to 103degF and above indicates that the system is severely involved and indicates emergency treatment. The swelling extending to the throat impairs breathing and swallowing which are medical emergencies. The signs and symptoms of tooth abscess that go beyond your mouth such as a severe headache, confusion or difficulty breathing are signs that you need an emergency case and not next week dental visit.

When Infection Turns into a Health Crisis.

  • High fever – temperature over 103degF which is an indicator of severe systemic infection.
  • Breathing problems: swelling of the airways is an emergency situation.
  • Swallowing trouble – involvement of the throat is an indication of dangerous spreading.
  • Bruising of the face- quickly increasing swelling along the neck or around the eyes.
  • Severe weakness – abnormal weakness with fever due to infection in teeth.
  • Confusion or disorientation Confusion or disorientation is a neurological phenomenon that can be an indicator of possible sepsis.
  • Tachycardia – cardiovascular alterations that are associated with intense systemic infection.

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Conclusion

Waiting until the symptoms of tooth infection grow into a serious health issue is too late. At LiT dental in McKinney, TX, our highly qualified dental staff will offer full service in tooth infections and everything that is associated with oral health, as well as full dental services such as dental crowns, dental veneers, dental bonding, and dental fillers. When you have the symptoms of abscess in your teeth, have always had a sore tooth sensitivity to hot and cold, have pus around your teeth, and even a little fever due to having an infected tooth, then call LiT Dental and have a professional assessment done to you that can save your smile and your health as well.

Sofia Vaqar

Experienced Dentist at :  LiT Dental

Dr. Vaqar is a caring and committed dentist with over 10 years of experience in helping individuals feel confident in their smiles. Graduated from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Vaqar has built her career and developed a desire to help patients with dental problems.