Toothaches can be debilitating when they occur. If you’ve ever experienced one, you know how painful and uncomfortable it can be. It’s incredibly important to seek treatment for tooth pain as soon as possible. Otherwise, the infection can compromise your well-being. Addressing the problem in a timely manner can help you avoid an urgent trip to your nearest emergency room. Read on to learn more about how a tooth infection can affect your body and which symptoms to look out for.
How Does a Tooth Become Infected?
In most cases, a tooth becomes infected when bacteria enter the inner chamber through a chip, crack, or cavity. Your chances of developing an infection are also much higher if you have poor dental hygiene, which is why it’s crucial to take proper care of your teeth and gums (i.e., brush twice a day, floss daily, rinse every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash). Two other risk factors for a tooth infection include a high sugar diet and dry mouth.
Signs of a Tooth Infection
Do you have a persistent toothache? Keep an eye out for the following symptoms as they can indicate an infection:
- Throbbing at the location of pain
- Pain that worsens when laying down
- Sensitivity to foods and drinks at extreme temperatures
- Facial swelling
- Difficulty chewing and eating
- Fever or high temperatures and ear pain
- Bad breath that lingers even after brushing or rinsing with mouthwash
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
What Happens If You Ignore a Tooth Infection?
If you fail to seek treatment for a tooth infection, it can negatively affect the body in many ways by potentially causing:
- Sepsis – When bacteria enter the bloodstream, it weakens the immune system, making your body unable to fight off infections. A few signs of sepsis include high temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, shock, and rapid heartbeats.
- Difficulty Breathing – Bacteria from an infection can get into the lungs through breathing, which is incredibly dangerous because it can lead to serious respiratory problems.
- Meningitis – Studies have found that tooth infections can cause life-threatening meningitis. It’s especially dangerous for patients who already have a weakened immune system.
- Ludwig’s Angina – This often happens when an untreated tooth infection spread to the throat and chest region, causing swelling that makes it difficult to breathe and swallow.
As you can see, a tooth infection can be fatal if left untreated. That’s why you should contact your dentist in Temple right away if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above. With their help, you can spare yourself a trip to your local ER.
About the Practice
At Temple Choice Dental, we offer comprehensive services for patients of all ages. Our skilled and friendly team will always go the extra mile to meet your family’s oral health needs. If you ever find yourself experiencing a dental emergency (like a tooth infection), don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. We’ll get you the prompt relief you deserve. You can schedule an emergency appointment via our website or call (254) 727-7144.