While some people cannot handle the prospect of pain, others may brush off the discomfort that comes with a toothache. Why is that problematic? Toothaches don’t normally go away on their own and can be quite serious, especially if you leave them untreated. In fact, if you have an infected tooth that isn’t attended to by your dentist, it could easily spread to other areas of your body and even be life-threatening! Read on to learn the signs of a tooth infection so you know when you should contact your emergency dentist in Framingham.
Why Does a Tooth Become Infected?
A tooth becomes infected when bacteria advances to the center through a crack, chip, or cavity. Most commonly, this happens because of poor oral hygiene. However, consuming sugary foods and beverages, as well as having dry mouth, increases your risk of getting an infection.
If you leave a cracked tooth untreated or a tooth restoration like a crown or filling becomes damaged, its health can be compromised. Over time, the infection can spread to other areas of your body and become much more dangerous.
Tooth Infection Symptoms
There is a variety of signs your tooth could be infected. Here are some of the most common:
- Throbbing tooth pain
- Intense jawbone pain
- Swelling of the cheeks
- Increased temperature sensitivity
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Pressure sensitivity
Consequences of Not Treating an Infected Tooth
If an infected tooth is not attended to by your dentist, it can result in some very dangerous outcomes:
- Sepsis: If bacteria from the infection progresses to the bloodstream, the immune system becomes weak and makes you susceptible to other infections in the body that you would normally be able to fight off. Signs of sepsis include a high fever, shock, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Respiratory issues: When lungs become affected by bacteria from a tooth infection, it creates the perfect breeding ground for them to multiply. This can make it difficult to breathe and cause a variety of respiratory problems.
- Ludwig’s angina: If the untreated tooth infection spreads to the throat and chest, it can cause swelling which makes it difficult to breathe, swallow, and can even cause suffocation.
If you notice any of these symptoms related to an infected tooth or you have a toothache in Framingham, give your emergency dentist a call immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the faster and easier it will be to get back to full health.
About the Author
Dr. Adelina Duka earned dental doctorates from Boston University and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest (Romania). A member of the American Dental Association, she is a mother of two and married to Dr. Arvi Duka. If you or a loved one ever has an intense toothache or another dental emergency, call (508) 626-2402. You can schedule nonemergency appointments on their website.