Is Your Tooth Infected?
Infections are serious business, whether you’re referring to a common cold or an infected tooth. In the worst-case scenarios, unchecked infections can turn into serious complications and even death. While tooth pain has been known to appear and disappear without warning, the much more likely scenario is that the symptoms represent a more long-lasting problem. Below, we’ll look at what to keep an eye on if your tooth acts up.
What Is a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection (sometimes called an abscess) doesn’t occur when bacteria makes contact with the tooth, but rather when the tooth pulp comes in contact with bacteria. While your enamel and tooth tissue protects you from most common bacteria, a cavity or crack in the tooth can allow that bacteria to enter and make its way down to the root.
How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Infected?
A dentist in Lyndhurst, OH can tell you that the most common symptom of an infection is pain. We’ll look at a few additional facts about the symptoms of an infection:
- Pain is typically constant and a throbbing sensation. You may feel it in your mouth, but it can just as easily spread as far as your neck or ears.
- Some infections cause pain only when chewing, biting, or exposure to extremely hot or cold foods or liquids.
- Infections can cause the tooth to rot from the inside out, which can cause a foul odor or salty fluid if the infection ruptures.
- Additional symptoms are likely familiar to anyone who’s ever had an infection of any kind, including swelling in the lymph nodes, fever, and general tenderness.
Where to Find Relief in Lyndhurst, OH
Not all infections move at the same pace, so it’s important not to make assumptions about your condition. If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain in Lyndhurst, OH, it’s worth having it checked out by a qualified dentist. While it can be scary to think about the consequences of a tooth infection, especially if you’re worried about extraction, it’s worse to assume that the infection will resolve on its own. If you’re looking for a reputable team, contact the staff at Lyndhurst Family Dental to schedule an immediate appointment today.