A dental infection occurs when harmful bacteria infect the tissues around a tooth, within the tooth, or in the surrounding gums and supporting structures. Dental infections can develop because of untreated tooth decay, gum disease, dental trauma or other oral problems. Symptoms may include tooth pain, sensitivity, swelling, bad taste, fever and difficulty chewing. Prompt dental assessment is important because an untreated infection can sometimes spread beyond the affected tooth or gum.
Dental infections originate at the tooth or its supporting structures and can spread to the surrounding tissue. These infections most commonly occur when bacteria invade the pulp and spread to surrounding tissues. Infections can also affect the gums causing gingivitis, which can later cause periodontal disease.
Who Is This Article For?
This article is useful for:
- People experiencing tooth pain
- Patients with swelling around a tooth
- People experiencing a bad taste or bad breath
- Patients with bleeding or swollen gums
- People who suspect they have an infected tooth
- Patients concerned about a dental abscess
- Anyone wanting to understand dental infection treatment
- Patients wondering whether antibiotics are required for a dental infection
What causes Dental Infections?
Dental infections can happen to anyone, but theyβre most often caused by bacteria in your mouth that travels to the gums and teeth. Bacteria is naturally occurring inside our mouths and stays on the surface of the teeth, gums, and tongue. When it gets in deep enough to form a small pocket (pus), itβs called an infection. Some of the most common types of bacteria that cause dental infections include:
There are also viruses that can cause dental infections, including herpes and Epstein-Barr. Bacteria can travel to your teeth any time you have an open cut inside the mouth, but itβs more likely to happen when gums are inflamed or have been pulled away from the teeth by receding gum tissue. There are many ways to get an infection in your mouth, and it can happen at any age.
Signs of a Dental Infection
Since every dental infection is unique and has its own set of symptoms, it can be tricky to spot one until itβs reached a serious phase. Most dental infections, though, have some similarities that are worth noting if youβre unsure whatβs causing your discomfort.
Swelling in the Gums– One of the earliest signs of a dental infection is some swelling in the gums, as bacteria travels from the root of a tooth to the gum tissue surrounding it. The swelling may be mild or severe, and sometimes it covers the entire gum line.
Toothache- Another symptom of a tooth infection is pain that may or may not be described as a toothache. Toothaches can be sharp and sudden, or they can be more of a dull ache that never goes away.
Bad Breath– Bad breath can be caused by many things, but itβs often a sign of a dental infection. Bacteria in the mouth (and on the teeth) produces toxins that cause foul-smelling compounds. Mouth odors can be particularly strong if you have a gum infection.
Diagnosis of Dental Infection
- Tap on your teeth. A tooth that has an abscess at its root is generally sensitive to touch or pressure.
- Recommend an X-ray. Scan of the aching tooth can help identify an abscess. Your dentist may also use X-rays to determine whether the infection has spread, causing abscesses in other areas.
- Recommend a CBCT scan. If the infection has spread to other areas within your neck, a CBCT scan may be used to see how severe the infection is.
When to see a Dentist instead of trying these techniques
Dental infections that arenβt treated right away can lead to more serious problems. Such as an abscess, tetanus, and loss of teeth. If you have the signs of a serious dental infection, you need to see a dentist instead of trying to treat it at home. In some cases, a mild toothache can be caused by a dental infection. But it doesnβt always progress to something more serious. A dentist can tell you if you have a dental infection and decide if you need antibiotics (or other treatment) to get rid of it.
Treatment incase of an infection
- Open and drain the abscess. The dentist makes a small cut into the abscess, allowing the pus to drain out. The dentist then washes the area with salt water (saline).
- Do a root canal.Β This can help get rid of the infection and save your tooth. To do this, your dentist drills down into your tooth, removes the diseased pulp and drains the abscess. The tooth may be capped with a crown to make it stronger, especially if this is a back tooth.
- Extract the affected tooth. If the affected tooth can’t be saved, your dentist will pull (extract) the tooth and drain the abscess to get rid of the infection.
- Prescribe antibiotics. If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, you may not need antibiotics. But if the infection has spread to nearby teeth, your jaw or other areas, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop it from spreading further. Your dentist may also recommend antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system.
Seeing a Dentist after trying these techniques
If you have a dental infection, youβll likely be prescribed antibiotics. There are many different types of antibiotics, and some of them can be taken at home while others require you to go to the dentistβs office to take them. In some cases, antibiotics will clear up the infection on their own. While in others they might be paired with some other kind of treatment. To help prevent dental infections, you can visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. You can also help yourself by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Using mouthwash, and limiting sugary foods and drinks.
Conclusion
Dental infections can develop from untreated tooth decay, gum disease, cracked teeth, trauma and other oral conditions. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, sensitivity, bad taste, fever and difficulty chewing, although some infections may produce few noticeable symptoms. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include drainage, root canal treatment, periodontal treatment or extraction. Antibiotics may be appropriate in selected cases but should not replace definitive dental treatment. If you suspect a dental infection, seek professional dental care promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common cause of dental infection?
Common causes include untreated tooth decay, gum disease, cracked or damaged teeth and dental trauma. These problems can allow bacteria to reach vulnerable dental tissues.
What are the signs of a dental infection?
Common signs include toothache, sensitivity, swollen gums, facial swelling, bad taste, pus, fever and difficulty chewing.
Can a dental infection go away on its own?
A dental infection or abscess should not be expected to resolve on its own. Professional dental treatment is needed to remove the source of infection.
Can a dental infection occur without pain?
Yes. Some infections may produce few symptoms or intermittent symptoms. A gum swelling, bad taste, gum boil or tooth discoloration can sometimes be the first indication.
Do antibiotics cure dental infections?
Antibiotics are not required for every dental infection and are not a substitute for definitive dental treatment. They may be indicated when infection has systemic involvement or in other specific clinical situations.
How long can a dental infection go untreated?
There is no safe period for deliberately leaving a dental infection untreated. Some infections can worsen or spread, so suspected infection should be evaluated promptly.
Can a dental infection spread to the jaw?
Yes. Infection originating from a tooth can spread into surrounding bone and tissues. Severe spreading infection can become dangerous.
Can a dental infection cause bad breath?
Yes. Dental infections and abscesses may cause bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is for patient education only. Dental treatment should be planned after clinical examination, medical history review, and X-rays or scans where required. Treatment suitability, cost, timeline, healing, and results vary from patient to patient.
