When bacteria invade the tooth’s pulp, it can result in a tooth infection, which can cause pain, swelling, and, if ignored, serious health problems. A serious one can spread to the jaw, blood circulation, and even essential organs, while a mild one can just be uncomfortable. It is essential to know how to treat a tooth infection in order to stop additional harm and maintain your overall health.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection
Are you unsure if your tooth is infected? Keep an eye out for these red flags:
- Constant toothache that throbs.
- Swelling of the face or gums.
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste.
- Sensitivity to both hot & cold food.
- Fatigue and fever.
- Trouble while chewing or swallowing.
If these signs are ignored, the infection may progress and cause more serious health issues.
How To Treat a Tooth Infection Effectively?
The following are the best course of action if you think you may have a tooth infection.
1. Antibiotics for Infection Management
Antibiotics such as clindamycin or amoxicillin are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat bacterial infections. They prevent the illness from spreading, but they do not eliminate the underlying cause, requiring further treatment.
2. Root Canal Treatment: Preserving Your Dental Health
An extremely successful treatment that eliminates the diseased pulp, cleans the tooth, and seals it to stop future infections is a root canal. Instead of extracting the natural tooth, this technique is frequently used to preserve it.
3. Tooth Extraction: When No Other Choice Is Available
To avoid more issues, emergency dentist in Arcadia in may advise extracting the tooth if the infection is too bad to be fixed with a root canal.
4. Drainage of the Abscess
In cases where pus accumulates, a dentist may need to drain the abscess to relieve pressure and pain.
5. Pain Management & Home Remedies
While professional treatment is essential, these remedies can help manage pain:
- Saltwater Rinse: Reduces bacteria and inflammation.
- Cold Compress: Helps with swelling and discomfort.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help ease pain until you see a dentist.
- Hydration & Rest: Drink plenty of water and avoid hard foods to reduce irritation.
Risks of Ignoring a Tooth Infection
Untreated tooth infections contribute to over 61,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S. Ignoring symptoms can lead to severe complications, including sepsis, jawbone infections, and heart disease.
When To See a Dentist Immediately?
Seek urgent dental care if you experience:
- Severe swelling in the face or neck.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- High fever that doesn’t go away.
- Pus drainage with a bad taste.
These signs indicate a spreading infection that could be life-threatening.
A tooth infection is not something to ignore—early treatment can prevent serious complications. Whether through antibiotics, a root canal, or extraction, seeking professional dental care is crucial. If you’re noticing any symptoms, schedule an appointment with our dentist immediately to prevent further health risks. Don’t wait—your health depends on it!
